Padded Arm Rest Cup Holder With Foam-Based Vessel Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm rests with drinking vessel holders face challenges in providing a secure and space-efficient design, especially when integrated into swivelable back seat arm rests, as they require complex kinematic mechanisms and can be prone to damage or obstruct the seating surface.
Innovation Solution
A padded arm rest design with an integrated drinking vessel holder that utilizes an elastic foam body to generate the necessary active force for retaining elements, minimizing installation space and incorporating a closed bottom with a peripheral rim to prevent liquid penetration, and featuring retaining elements distributed along the periphery for secure vessel accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional drinking vessel holder with spring elements and retaining elements is integrated into the arm rest, then a secure hold of the vessel is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the foam body (providing padding and comfort) and the spring element (providing retaining force) into a single integrated foam body structure. The foam body is pre-compressed between the bottom and the retaining element, eliminating the need for separate spring elements and base supports, thus reducing installation space while maintaining vessel security
Solution Approach 2:
The foam body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the retaining force for the vessel, acts as the padding for user comfort, and serves as the structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity and installation space
2Reliability
If a conventional drinking vessel holder with base support and spring elements is integrated into the arm rest, then a secure hold of the vessel is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (base support, spring element, retaining element) into a single integrated foam body structure. The foam body is pre-compressed between the bottom and the retaining element, eliminating the need for separate spring elements and base supports, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining vessel security
Solution Approach 2:
The foam body is pre-compressed during assembly between the bottom and the retaining element, storing elastic energy that automatically provides the retaining force when the vessel is inserted. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external spring elements or complex kinematic mechanisms to generate retaining forces
3Ease of operation
If the drinking vessel holder is raised above the arm rest surface, then easier access is provided, but the holder becomes prone to damage and obstructs the seating surface
Solution Approach 1:
The drinking vessel holder is nested within the arm rest structure, with the receptacle extending into the interior of the arm rest from the upper side opening. This nested configuration protects the holder from external damage while maintaining accessibility through the opening, and prevents obstruction of the seating surface
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 solution ensures a secure and space-efficient beverage holder with reduced complexity, enhanced convenience, and resilience, while preventing liquid penetration and facilitating easy assembly and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element is pushed into the direction of the drinking vessel in response to an active force (F) generated by an elastic deformation of a foam body
Data Source
AI summary
An arm rest with a drinking vessel holder is particularly intended for use as a back center arm rest for integration in the back rest of a vehicle. The need for a soft back rest and at the same time for integration of a drinking vessel holder is satisfied by the aspect that the drinking vessel holder is formed of a soft material in the bottom region. Moreover, the foam body for provision of padding is functionally employed for generating the retaining force required for retaining the drinking vessel.