Modular cup holder tray assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cup holders are inconvenient and limiting for transporting multiple drinks, especially with the rise in take-out and food delivery services, as they do not adapt well to varying numbers of cups.
Innovation Solution
A modular cup holder tray assembly that includes a tray with removable coupling mechanisms and handles, allowing multiple trays to be combined and handles to be attached in various configurations to accommodate different numbers of cups, providing enhanced convenience and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cup holders are used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying numbers of cups is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder system is divided into multiple independent tray modules that can be used separately or combined. Each tray is a standalone unit with cup holders, and trays can be stacked or connected together to create larger assemblies, enabling the system to adapt to varying numbers of cups while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs
Solution Approach 2:
The trays are designed with universal coupling features that allow them to function both as individual cup holders and as part of stacked or connected assemblies. The standardized coupling mechanisms enable the same tray design to serve multiple purposes - single use or combined with other trays - providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple trays are combined using removable coupling mechanisms, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into discrete, standardized features (protrusions and recesses) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach to the coupling system allows for easy attachment and detachment of trays while keeping each coupling element relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling features are integrated directly into the tray structures themselves rather than being separate components. The protrusions and recesses are formed as part of the tray molding or fabrication process, combining the tray body and coupling mechanism into a unified structure that reduces overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If handles are removably coupled to trays, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle system is segmented from the tray body, allowing handles to be independently attached and removed. This separation enables the handles to be optimized for comfort and grip while the trays remain optimized for cup holding, with the connection interface kept simple through standardized mounting features
Solution Approach 2:
The handles are extracted as separate, removable components rather than being permanently integrated into the trays. This allows users to attach handles only when needed for transport and remove them when not needed, providing ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple tray designs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a modular cup holder tray assembly, which can include a tray and at least one handle operably coupled to the tray. The tray can include a base and sidewalls. The base can define a top surface and have more than one cup holder extending therethrough. The sidewalls can be substantially perpendicular to the base. At least two-tray coupling apertures can extend through a first sidewall. At least two-tray coupling protrusions can extend outward from a second sidewall, opposite the first sidewall. The at least two-tray coupling protrusions can be configured to engage the at least two-tray coupling apertures of a second tray. The at least one handle can have a first end removably coupled to a third sidewall and a second end removably coupled to a fourth sidewall, opposite the third sidewall.