Removable Snap-Fit Cup Holder for Stackable Molded Plastic Chairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chair cup holders either detract from the chair's appearance, are uncomfortable to rest arms on, can be loose, misplaced, or interfere with stacking and storage, and fail to securely hold various beverage containers and additional objects.
Innovation Solution
A removable and lockable cup holder with an inverted U-shaped body that clips onto the chair arm, featuring a snap-fit mechanism and a pocket for additional items, designed to be made of the same plastic as the chair for aesthetic and functional integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cup holder is permanently attached to the chair arm, then the cup holder is secure and cannot be misplaced or lost, but it interferes with people walking by, prevents chairs from being placed close together, and impedes stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the chair arm and a cup holder body that can be removed and reattached. This segmentation allows the cup holder to be securely mounted when needed while enabling easy removal for stacking and storage, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder transitions from a static permanently attached state to a dynamic removable and reattachable system. The spring-loaded latch mechanism enables the cup holder to be easily detached and reattached, providing adaptability for different situations while maintaining security during use
2Shape
If a cup holder is made removable from the chair arm, then it does not detract from the appearance of the chair arm, but it can become loose and may be misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder system is segmented into a mounting bracket that remains attached to the chair arm and a removable cup holder body. This allows the chair arm appearance to be maintained while the cup holder body can be securely reattached when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism provides self-latching functionality that automatically secures the cup holder body to the mounting bracket when attached, ensuring reliability without requiring additional fastening steps from the user
3Reliability
If a cup holder is permanently attached to the chair arm, then it cannot be misplaced or lost, but it interferes with stacking and prevents chairs from being placed close together
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is segmented into removable and permanent components, allowing the removable cup holder body to be detached before stacking operations, thereby maintaining cup holder retention while enabling easy chair stacking
4Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot-type cup holder is used that can be nested under the arm for storage, then it does not interfere with stacking, but it can become loose and not stay in position, and may bend or break when used for support
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is segmented into a sturdy mounting bracket that remains fixed to the chair arm and a removable cup holder body. This provides stable positioning when attached while maintaining structural integrity, as the load-bearing mounting bracket remains permanently secured to the chair arm
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining constant spring pressure on the latch, ensuring the cup holder body remains securely latched to the mounting bracket and preventing accidental detachment or positioning issues
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable molded plastic chair has a removable cup holder that may be placed on the top surface of a chair arm for use or attached to the underside of the chair arm for storage. The cup holder has an inverted U-shaped body that fits over a chair arm and a cup receiver that is connected to that body. There is a post that extends from the bottom surface of the chair arm and is sized and configured to fit through the hole in the cup receiver and create a snap-fit. The cup holder may also have a cell phone pocket at either side of the inverted U-shaped body.