Rotatable Container Holder with Hinged Retaining Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container holders in vehicles are unable to securely accommodate beverage containers of varying sizes, leading to potential spills and rattling noises, especially when the vehicle is in motion or when passenger doors are opened or closed.
Innovation Solution
A container holder with a rotatable outer body and hinged retaining members that adjust between a maximum and minimum distance to securely fit containers of different diameters, utilizing camming and biasing members to exert a clamping force, ensuring stability and preventing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the container holder uses a fixed-size opening or cavity, then it can secure containers of a specific size, but it cannot accommodate beverage containers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adjust their position radially to accommodate containers of different diameters. The hinged connection enables the retaining members to pivot between retracted and extended positions, dynamically adapting the holder's internal dimensions to match various container sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holder is designed to universally accommodate multiple container sizes through the adjustable retaining members. The same holder structure can secure both small and large containers by adjusting the position of the retaining members, eliminating the need for multiple specialized holders for different container types.
2Reliability
If the container holder has a fixed retaining structure, then it provides stable support for containers, but smaller beverage containers may fall over and spill liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members dynamically adjust their radial position based on the container size being held. For smaller containers, the retaining members extend outward to provide adequate support surfaces, preventing the container from falling over. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable stabilization across different container dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between the retaining members and the axis of rotation is changed as a parameter to adapt to different container diameters. By adjusting this radial distance, the holder modifies its effective internal dimensions and clamping force, ensuring reliable container support regardless of size variations.
3Reliability
If the container holder uses a fixed retaining structure, then it prevents movement for properly sized containers, but smaller containers may move and create rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members pivot about hinged connections to dynamically adjust their radial position, enabling them to adapt to different container diameters. This movement allows the retaining members to maintain optimal contact with containers of varying sizes, preventing rattling and excessive movement while accommodating size differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial distance of the retaining members from the axis of rotation is adjusted as a variable parameter. By changing this distance, the holder can precisely fit different container diameters, ensuring that smaller containers are held securely without excessive movement that would cause rattling noises.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the container holder uses a rigid structure, then it provides stable support, but it cannot adjust to accommodate containers of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members incorporate hinged connections that allow controlled pivoting movement, transforming the otherwise rigid structure into a dynamically adjustable system. This enables the holder to adapt its internal geometry to different container sizes while maintaining overall structural stability and support.
Solution Approach 2:
The container holder is segmented into a stationary outer body and movable retaining members. This segmentation allows the main structural body to remain stable and rigid while the retaining members independently adjust their position to accommodate different container sizes, combining structural integrity with adaptability.
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 container holder effectively secures containers of various sizes, preventing spills and rattling, even during vehicle operation and when passenger doors are used, enhancing customer satisfaction by maintaining the beverage in place.
Implementation Method 1
one or more camming members disposed around the outer body and corresponding to one of the retaining members, where each of the camming members are configured to urge a corresponding retaining member about the hinged connection between the first position and the second position as the outer body rotates about the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
The retaining members are each connected to the inner body by a hinged connection and are configured to actuate about the hinged connection between a first position where the retaining surface is at a maximum distance when measured from the axis of rotation of the outer body and a second position where the retaining surface is measured at a minimum distance
Implementation Method 3
one or more biasing members that each exert a biasing force against the inner body, where the biasing members are connected to one of the retaining members
Data Source
AI summary
A container holder is disclosed and includes an inner body defining an innermost surface, an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and one or more retaining members. The retaining members each define a retaining surface and are configured to abut against and exert a clamping force upon the container. The retaining members are each connected to the inner body by a hinged connection and are configured to actuate about the hinged connection between a first position where the retaining surface is at a maximum distance when measured from the axis of rotation of the outer body and a second position where the retaining surface is measured at a minimum distance when measured from the axis of rotation of the outer body. The container holder also includes one or more camming members disposed around the outer body.