Retaining feature for off-road cup holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in off-road vehicles are ineffective in retaining beverage containers during sudden vertical accelerations, such as those experienced in undulating terrain, leading to the container being tipped over or jettisoned.
Innovation Solution
A beverage retaining system featuring a cup holder tray with a magnetic retention force and a clocking feature that allows the beverage container to be rotated between a secured and unsecured position, using magnetic elements and retaining elements to engage and disengage the retention force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional holding features (deformable rubber members or fingers) are used in cup holders, then the cup holder structure remains simple, but the beverage container cannot be retained under sudden vertical accelerations in undulating terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical holding features (deformable rubber members or fingers) with a magnetic retention system. Magnetic elements are embedded in the cup holder tray to generate magnetic retention forces that securely hold the beverage container during sudden vertical accelerations, while retaining elements on the container bottom engage with these magnetic forces. This substitution provides reliable retention under extreme conditions without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of retention force from mechanical contact (rubber deformation) to magnetic attraction. By embedding magnetic elements in the cup holder tray and placing corresponding retaining elements on the container bottom, the system creates a controllable magnetic retention force that can reliably hold the container during undulating terrain operations while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a magnetic retention system is implemented to hold beverage containers under extreme accelerations, then beverage container retention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional magnetic elements and clocking features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention system into two separate components: magnetic elements embedded in the cup holder tray and retaining elements attached to the beverage container bottom. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable magnetic retention under extreme accelerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the retention system through the clocking feature. The clocking feature includes a depressed arcuate section that guides the rotational movement of the container, allowing the retaining elements to align with the magnetic elements. This dimensional addition enables easy engagement and disengagement while maintaining secure retention during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a clocking feature is added to enable rotation between secured and unsecured positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clocking feature utilizes a depressed arcuate section in the cup holder tray that acts as a guiding path for rotational movement. This simple geometric feature, rather than a complex mechanical mechanism, enables the container to rotate between secured and unsecured positions while being easily manufactured into the tray structure.
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 system effectively holds the beverage container under extreme vertical accelerations and allows for easy and efficient securing and unsecuring, ensuring the container remains in place during rough terrain operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic element located subjacent to the bottom wall of the cup receiving portion. The magnetic element is configured to provide a magnetic retention force
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage retaining system for an off-road vehicle. The beverage retaining system includes a cup holder tray that has a cup receiving portion with a bottom wall, and at least one magnetic element located subjacent to the bottom wall of the cup receiving portion. The magnetic element is configured to provide a magnetic retention force. The beverage retaining system also includes a beverage container that has a bottom end and at least one retaining element located on the bottom end. The beverage container is configured to be moveable between a secured position in which the at least one retaining element substantially engages with the magnetic retention force of the at least one magnetic element and an unsecured position in which the at least one retaining element substantially disengages with the magnetic retention force of the at least one magnetic element.