Illuminated Monolithic Cup Holder Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cup holders are difficult to locate in darkness, leading to increased manufacturing and component costs due to the use of separate light pipes for illumination.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder assembly with a light transmitting material outer wall and bottom, integrated with a light emitting diode attached to a circuit board, providing uniform illumination without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate light pipes are used to illuminate the cup holder, then the cup holder becomes visible in darkness, but the component cost and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light pipe function directly into the cup holder body by making the cup holder itself transparent or translucent. This eliminates the need for separate light pipe components while maintaining the illumination function, thereby reducing component cost and manufacturing complexity while keeping the cup holder visible in darkness
2Illumination intensity
If separate light pipes are used to illuminate the cup holder, then the cup holder becomes visible in darkness, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the cup holder structure by using transparent or translucent material for the cup holder body. This integration eliminates the need for separate light pipe components and assembly steps, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining visibility in darkness
3Illumination intensity
If light transmitting material is used for the cup holder, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transparent or translucent materials that maintain sufficient structural strength for cup holder applications. These materials provide both the light transmission properties needed for uniform illumination and the mechanical strength required to support cups, resolving the contradiction between illumination quality and structural integrity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easy cup placement in darkness while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design, reducing costs by eliminating the need for separate light pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a light source operably attached to the cup receptacle. The outer wall of the cup receptacle is constructed of a light transmitting material that is uniformly illuminated by light emitted from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
The cup receptacle has an annular outer wall configured to receive a cup and a light source operably attached to the cup receptacle. The outer wall of the cup receptacle is constructed of a light transmitting material that is uniformly illuminated by light emitted from the light source.