Self-Locking Cup Holder Using Hinged Flaps for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders require fasteners or tools for secure installation in surface openings, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking cup holder design featuring an outer sleeve with horizontally elongated openings, support members, and hinged flaps that rotate to secure against the surface opening without tools, using a locking ring and tapered flaps to deform against the surface for a secure fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cup holders use fasteners or tools for installation, then the installation is secure and reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder installation system performs the securing function automatically through its own components. The hinged flaps, when pressed during installation, automatically rotate from the retracted position to the engaged position, securing the cup holder to the surface without requiring external tools or fasteners. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate installation tools and reduces installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged flaps are pre-positioned in a retracted state during manufacturing, ready to be activated during installation. The design includes pre-formed engagement surfaces and hinge mechanisms that are prepared in advance, allowing the user to simply press the cup holder into place and the flaps will automatically rotate into the engaged position, eliminating the need for preliminary tool preparation or complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If traditional cup holders use fasteners for secure installation, then the mounting is reliable, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder body and the securing mechanism are merged into a single integrated unit. The hinged flaps are directly attached to the cup holder body, and the support members are integrated within the same structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fasteners, screws, or mounting brackets, reducing the number of components while maintaining secure mounting through the automated flap engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder structure itself performs the securing function through its integrated hinged flaps, eliminating the need for external fastening components. The flaps are part of the cup holder body and automatically engage with the surface opening when installed, making the cup holder self-sufficient for both holding and securing functions.
3Reliability
If hinged flaps are designed to deform plastically against the surface opening, then the cup holder achieves a secure locked position, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The material properties of the hinged flaps are selected to exhibit controlled plastic deformation characteristics. By choosing materials with appropriate yield strength and ductility, the flaps can deform plastically against the surface opening to achieve a secure locked position without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The deformation parameter is controlled through material selection rather than precise dimensional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged flaps are designed with non-uniform thickness, being thicker at the free end and thinner near the hinge axis. This gradient in local quality allows the thicker portion to deform plastically against the surface opening for secure locking, while the thinner portion near the hinge maintains sufficient flexibility for rotation and reduces the overall force required for deformation. This local variation in thickness distributes the deformation stress and reduces manufacturing precision requirements.
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
Enables quick and secure installation of the cup holder in surface openings without the need for tools, ensuring a stable and water-resistant fit using plastic or metal components.
Implementation Method 1
the hinged flaps disposable in the elongated openings. The hinged flaps have a larger thickness at a second end tapering to a smaller thickness at a first flap end attached to the locking ring cylindrical wall, the hinged flaps movable from a first inward position to a second outward position. Rotation of the outer sleeve in relation to the locking ring urges the plurality of support members toward the thicker end of the hinged flaps, forcing the hinged flaps from the first position to the second position against the surface opening
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking cup holder securable in an opening in a surface comprising an outer sleeve having a cylindrical wall, a plurality of horizontally elongated openings, each elongated opening extending around an upper portion of the outer sleeve cylindrical wall, a cylindrical rim disposed above the elongated openings and a plurality of support members extending horizontally between the elongated openings and extending vertically between the cylindrical wall and the cylindrical rim. The self-locking cup holder includes a locking ring having a cylindrical ring wall rotatingly engaging the outer sleeve on an outer surface of the outer sleeve adjacent the elongated openings and support members, and a plurality of hinged horizontal flaps disposable in the elongated openings. The hinged flaps have a larger thickness at a second end tapering to a smaller thickness at a first flap end attached to the locking ring cylindrical wall.