Sensor-Lift Cup Holder Layout for Space-Saving Vehicle Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup holders in vehicles are open and protruding, which can obstruct the driver's hand movements and occupy valuable space, affecting both safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A smart cup holder with a sensing assembly, an accommodating cavity, a lifting device, and a controller that automatically raises and lowers the cup holder based on sensor inputs, allowing for smart sensing and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open cup holder is provided in the vehicle, then the cup holder is accessible and easy to use, but it obstructs the driver's hand movements and occupies valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed with a movable support member that can dynamically change its position between a protruding state (when no cup is detected) and a retracted state (when a cup is detected). This dynamic adjustment allows the cup holder to be accessible when needed while minimizing space occupation when not in use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder system uses sensors to automatically detect the presence of a cup and autonomously adjusts the support member's position without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own state and making appropriate adjustments, eliminating the need for the driver to manually operate the cup holder while maintaining accessibility when needed.
2Ease of operation
If an open cup holder is provided in the vehicle, then the cup holder is accessible and easy to use, but it causes driver distraction and affects safety
Solution Approach 1:
The support member dynamically adjusts its position based on sensor detection. When a cup is placed in the cup holder, the support member automatically moves to a retracted position that does not obstruct the driver's view or hand movements, thereby eliminating driver distraction while maintaining accessibility when a cup is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide continuous feedback about the presence of a cup in the cup holder. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the support member's position, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing conditions and eliminates driver distraction by adapting the cup holder's position in real-time.
3Volume of moving object
If a smart sensing system is implemented, then space is optimized and aesthetics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensing and control system. Sensors detect the presence of a cup and send signals to a controller, which automatically actuates the support member's movement. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with sensor-based automation optimizes space utilization while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
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 smart cup holder enhances safety by reducing driver distraction and improves aesthetics by minimizing protrusions and optimizing space within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor is configured to convert a pressure signal into an electrical signal, send the electrical signal to the controller for processing
Data Source
AI summary
A smart cup holder, comprising: a first sensor (001) that is provided in a driver's compartment and has an output end connected to a receiving end of a controller (007); a storage cavity (004) that is provided in a target area in the driver's compartment, the storage cavity (004) being provided with an upward opening, and the opening being located in the sensing area of the first sensor (001); a lifting device that comprises: a support member (002), a driving motor (006), and a transmission assembly (003), the support member (002) being adapted to the opening and being in the same plane as the opening when in an initial state; and a controller (007) that is used for controlling the driving motor (006) and the transmission assembly (003) to drive the support member (002) to move up and down in the storage cavity (004). Also disclosed is a vehicle comprising the smart cup holder.