Post-Mounted Drink Holder Layout for Stable Multi-Cup Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drink holder devices fail to securely hold multiple beverage containers on boat docks, often leading to instability and risk of containers being knocked off, and they tend to accumulate moisture, which can be unsanitary and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A drink holder device comprising a panel with a base wall that supports the device on a post and an upper wall that holds a primary cup and multiple outer cups radially arranged around it, with drain apertures to prevent fluid accumulation and a central aperture to prevent fluid from collecting in the primary cup, allowing for secure and stable placement of multiple beverage containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a drink holder device is designed to hold multiple beverage containers, then the quantity of beverage containers held is improved, but the stability of the device deteriorates, causing containers to be knocked off
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the beverage container holding function into separate zones: a central cup holder for primary containers and multiple outer cup holders for additional containers. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, with the central holder providing stable primary support and outer holders arranged to maximize stability without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting to a three-dimensional structure by extending cup holders at different heights and depths. The central cup holder extends further outward while outer cup holders are positioned at varying distances from the center, creating a multi-level arrangement that improves stability by distributing containers across multiple spatial dimensions rather than competing for the same flat surface area.
2Quantity of substance
If the upper surface is designed to hold multiple items, then the quantity of items stored is improved, but the surface accumulates moisture, creating unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the drainage function from the upper surface by incorporating drain apertures that actively remove accumulated moisture. These apertures are positioned to receive fluid from the upper surface and channel it away through the panel structure, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining hygienic conditions while preserving the full functionality of the upper surface for storing multiple items.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain apertures act as intermediary elements between the upper surface and the interior cavity of the panel. They provide a controlled pathway for moisture to pass through the panel structure, serving as a mediator that removes harmful fluid accumulation while allowing the upper surface to continue its primary function of supporting multiple beverage containers and items.
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 device securely holds multiple beverage containers, preventing them from being knocked off and ensuring the upper surface remains dry, allowing for additional items to be stored while maintaining stability and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The upper surface 14 of the panel 12 is angled to taper downwardly from the lip 38 towards the upper wall 28 wherein fluid on the upper surface 14 is gravitationally urged towards the drain apertures 40
Data Source
AI summary
A post drink holder device securely holds multiple beverage containers on an existing post such as a on a boat dock. The device includes a base wall coupled to and extending downwardly from a lower surface of a panel defining a post receiver for receiving a post therein such that the panel is supported on the post. An upper wall is coupled to and extends upwardly from an upper surface of the panel defining a primary cup for receiving a beverage container. Each of a plurality of outer cups extends into the upper surface and through the panel for holding additional beverage containers.