Removable Cup Holder Insert for Retractable Seating Depth Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shallow cup holders in retractable seating facilities are ineffective in holding larger cups, compromising the spectator experience due to their design which must be shallow to allow for seat retraction, reducing available floor space.
Innovation Solution
A cup holder insert with a cylindrical body and tapered side wall that increases the depth of existing cup holders, featuring a flexible lip and engagement system for secure fitting, allowing for drainage and easy removal to facilitate seat retraction without disrupting the seating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cup holders are made shallow to allow for seat retraction, then the retractable seating mechanism can function properly, but the cup holders become ineffective in holding larger cups
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder system is divided into two segments: the original shallow cup holder integrated with the armrest, and a separate removable insert that can be added to increase depth. This segmentation allows the seating mechanism to remain functional while providing increased cup holder capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed to nest within the existing shallow cup holder, with the insert's outer diameter being less than the cup holder's inner diameter. This nesting arrangement allows the insert to fit inside the original cup holder, effectively increasing depth without interfering with the retractable seating mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If a deeper cup holder insert is added to increase cup holding capacity, then the spectator experience is improved, but the complexity of the cup holder system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed to be removable rather than permanently fixed, allowing it to be dynamically added or removed based on need. The retention device provides a simple engagement mechanism that requires minimal effort to operate, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the interaction between the insert and the cup holder. It provides automatic retention when inserted while allowing easy removal when needed, mediating between the need for secure holding and easy access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cup holder insert is made removable to facilitate seat retraction, then the retractable seating can be stored efficiently, but the insert may slide out unintentionally during use
Solution Approach 1:
The retention device applies a preliminary retaining force to prevent the insert from sliding out during normal use. This anti-action counteracts the forces that would otherwise cause the insert to become dislodged, ensuring reliable retention while maintaining removability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention device utilizes the natural curvature and tapered geometry of the insert and cup holder interface to provide retention. The curved surfaces work together with the retention mechanism to ensure the insert remains securely in place during use while allowing easy removal when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder insert for increasing the depth of an existing cup holder includes a generally cylindrical body with an open top, a bottom and a sidewall. The body also includes an upper lip extending outwardly from the sidewall and surrounding the top. An engagement system having a flexible lip, an engagement aperture and an alignment flange functions to secure the cup holder insert into an existing cup holder to increase the existing cup holder depth. A method for inserting the cup holder insert into an existing cup holder is also disclosed.