Lighted Cup Holder Structure for Varied Containers and Secure Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cup holders lack features that significantly attract customers, failing to provide innovative designs that enhance user experience and competitive advantage in products such as boats, cars, and furniture.
Innovation Solution
A lighted cup holder with a cylindrical base, radially extending rim, and optional features like elastic band keepers, ridges for secure installation, a cap, drain, and UV-enhanced cushioning, designed to accommodate various container sizes and shapes, with integrated LED lighting for visibility and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cup holders are used, then the basic function of holding containers is achieved, but customer attraction and competitive advantage are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder incorporates LED lighting elements that can illuminate in various colors to attract customers and provide ambient lighting. The lighted features transform a mundane functional component into an eye-catching aesthetic element that enhances competitive advantage while maintaining the basic holding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder design integrates multiple functions into a single device: container holding, ambient lighting, customer attraction, and potential branding capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve both practical and marketing purposes, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and increased complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dimension cup holders are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot accommodate various container sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder incorporates flexible or adjustable components that can adapt to different container dimensions. The design may include elastic band keepers, movable walls, or compressible materials that dynamically adjust to accommodate various bottle and can sizes while maintaining secure holding, thus achieving versatility without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cup holders are made visible and appealing with lighting, then customer attraction increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED lighting system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, illuminating at intervals to provide aesthetic appeal and customer attraction while minimizing energy consumption. The lighting may activate during specific conditions such as when containers are placed in the holder or during designated time periods, balancing visual appeal with energy efficiency.
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 lighted cup holder provides enhanced security and visibility, accommodating different container sizes and shapes, while its design elements like elastic band keepers and ridges ensure secure installation, and the LED lighting enhances visibility and appeal, making it a competitive feature in products.
Implementation Method 1
positioned in the rim's bottom side is a light source, preferably a light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
The rim's top side and/or sides preferably are made from a translucent material
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted holder for holding a container having therein an individual serving of a liquid, such as a beverage. In one application, the cup holder is installed in a hull of a boat.