Lighted Cup Holder With Removable Insert for Spa Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting solutions for spas, swimming pools, and hot tubs lack durable and customizable options for cup holders that can withstand harsh chemical and temperature environments, failing to provide long-lasting aesthetic and safety lighting.
Innovation Solution
A lighted cup holder system featuring a structured base component with a cylindrical body, a lens or light diffuser, a nut for securing, a decorative or functional stencil, and a light holder for a removable light source, designed to be mounted through the spa shell with a sealed and protected insert to maintain aesthetic and safety lighting while resisting environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lighting features are added to spas, swimming pools, hot tubs, or garden baths, then aesthetic appeal and safety are improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: a base component with mounting structure, a removable insert with aesthetic design, and a light source. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation/maintenance while providing both safety and aesthetic lighting functions
Solution Approach 2:
The base component serves multiple functions: structural support, mounting to the spa/pool structure, housing the light source, and providing the aesthetic insert. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple separate components into one integrated unit that delivers both safety and decorative lighting
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable and replaceable inserts are used with different aesthetic designs, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently selected and replaced. This segmentation enables users to customize the aesthetic appearance by swapping inserts while using the same base component, achieving versatility without requiring multiple complete lighting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The base component is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate various insert designs and shapes. This universal interface allows a single base component to work with multiple aesthetic inserts, providing customization options while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Ease of operation
If the insert is placed in a harsh chemical and temperature environment, then the lighting is visible and accessible, but the insert degrades and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is extracted from the harsh spa environment and placed in a protected cavity within the base component. This extraction allows the insert to be accessible for aesthetic purposes while being shielded from degrading chemical and temperature conditions, thereby extending its lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The base component acts as an intermediary barrier between the harsh spa environment and the insert. This protective intermediary structure allows the insert to remain accessible and visible while shielding it from direct exposure to chemicals and temperature extremes that would cause degradation
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
The system provides long-lasting, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing lighting for cup holders, enhancing safety and branding opportunities while maintaining durability against the spa environment, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a light holder for a removable light source
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted cup holder and method for illuminating a cup holder, the cup holder having a base component having a cylindrical body for mounting through a spa shell, a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior; a lens or light diffuser at the first end of the body and located proximal to an exterior surface of the spa shell; a decorative or functional stencil or insert located within the hollow interior at or proximal to the first end of the body; a light source; and a light holder for retaining the light source on the base component at or proximal to the second end of the body.