Magnetic Vehicle Cup Holder for Variable Container Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in motor vehicles struggle to securely accommodate beverage containers of varying dimensions and designs without complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder design utilizing permanent magnets and switchable electromagnets with adjustable magnetic polarity to securely hold or release beverage containers, allowing flexible fixation of containers with different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical holding mechanisms (springs, elastic bands) are used, then beverage containers can be held, but the holding force is insufficient for containers of varying dimensions and designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using electromagnets whose magnetic field strength can be dynamically adjusted. The control unit varies the electrical current supplied to the electromagnets, thereby changing the magnetic holding force to adapt to different container weights, sizes, and shapes, resolving the contradiction between reliable holding and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic holding system serves multiple functions: it can hold various types of beverage containers (different sizes, shapes, weights), release them on demand, and adjust holding force dynamically. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple specialized mechanical holders, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switchable electromagnets with adjustable polarity are implemented, then versatile holding and releasing of containers is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical holding mechanisms (springs, elastic bands, movable walls) with an electromagnetic field-based system. The electromagnets and control unit create a software-controlled holding mechanism that is simpler in physical structure but more versatile in function, reducing mechanical complexity while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the holding and releasing functions into a single electromagnetic system. By controlling the polarity and strength of the same electromagnets, both functions are achieved through one integrated mechanism rather than separate mechanical components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If permanent magnets with same magnetic pole arrangement are used, then secure holding is achieved, but the ability to release containers requires additional switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching of the electromagnet polarity to achieve holding and releasing cycles. The electromagnets are activated to hold the container, then deactivated or reversed to release it. This periodic on-off action provides reliable fixation during holding phases and easy removal during release phases, controlled by simple button inputs.
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
Enables simple and secure holding of diverse beverage containers, facilitating easy installation and removal based on magnetic interactions, enhancing versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
holding elements are formed from holding cams consisting of permanent magnets with the same magnetic pole arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnets are designed to be switchable to change their polarity and thus their magnetic field orientation and can therefore, depending on the switching state, either have a magnetic orientation in the same direction as the holding cams designed as permanent magnets in a corresponding holding area and therefore develop a repulsive effect or have an opposite magnetic orientation to the holding cams designed as permanent magnets in a corresponding holding area and therefore develop an attractive effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a drinks holder (1) of a motor vehicle, having holding elements (4) for fixing drinks containers (6) in the drinks holder (1). According to the invention, a plurality of holding cams (4) designed as permanent magnets with the same magnetic pole arrangement are provided as holding elements, said holding cams being arranged above one another and spaced apart from one another in two holding regions (7) in the wall (2) of the drinks holder (1) and arranged projecting beyond the wall (2) of the drinks holder (1): In the outer region (8) of the drinks holder (1), an electromagnet (5) corresponding to the holding cams (4) designed as permanent magnets is arranged for each holding region (7).