Retractable Vehicle Cup Holder With Translating Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable container supports for vehicles are often complex, costly, and not easily adaptable to different container sizes or configurations, lacking a simple and robust design that ensures easy deployment and retraction while providing adequate stability.
Innovation Solution
A retractable container support with a base and a holding member connected by a translating mechanism comprising pivot and slide connections, allowing the holding member to move relative to the base along a bearing direction, featuring a compact design with a locking system for multiple position adjustments and automatic retraction under overload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing retractable container supports are used, then container stability during vehicle movements is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a base element, a holding element, and connecting arms with pivot connections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall stability, reducing complexity compared to monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support employs dynamic pivot connections that allow the holding element to rotate and adapt to different container positions and sizes. The arms can pivot relative to the base and holding element, providing automatic adjustment and stability without requiring complex mechanical constraints or adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If complex retractable mechanisms are implemented, then container stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to deploy and retract automatically through the action of gravity and the pivot connections. When a container is placed on the base, the holding element naturally rotates into position via the pivot arms without requiring manual intervention. Similarly, when the container is removed, the holding element automatically returns to its stowed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connections enable automatic adaptation to container placement. The arms can freely rotate to accommodate different container sizes and positions, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment or complex locking mechanisms during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points and locking systems are added, then adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connections provide continuous rotational freedom, allowing the holding element to adapt to various container heights, widths, and positions. The dynamic nature of the pivot joints enables the structure to self-adjust to different container configurations without requiring discrete adjustment points or locking mechanisms for each size.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple pivot connection design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables automatic adjustment to different container sizes, allows smooth deployment and retraction, and maintains stability during vehicle movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and robust container support that is easy to use, ensuring stability for containers during vehicle movements and compact storage when not in use, with reduced part complexity and enhanced adaptability to various container sizes.
Implementation Method 1
each arm being connected to the base by a first connection and to the holding member by a second connection, at least one of the first connection and the second connection being a pivot and slide connection
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first connection and the second connection being a pivot and slide connection
Data Source
AI summary
A container support for holding a container has a lower base and upper holding member. The base receives the container which bears on the base in a bearing direction. The holding member has an opening for receiving the container. The holding member is connected to the base by a connecting mechanism configured such that the holding member is movable relative to the base in translation along the bearing direction.