Sliding Removable Cup Holder Assembly for Vehicle Console

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle cup holders either occupy storage space with a fixed position or are non-removable, limiting flexibility and usability.

Innovation Solution

A sliding and removable cup holder assembly with a console structure featuring recessed tracks and a cup holder member that can move between positions, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation, thus utilizing the storage compartment without the cup holder when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stationary/fixed cup holder is used, then the cup holder provides stable support for beverage containers, but it occupies storage space and lacks flexibility in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidstorage space occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cup holder member is designed to be movable along a longitudinal axis between multiple positions (first position blocking the storage compartment, second position not blocking the storage compartment). This dynamic positioning capability allows the cup holder to adapt between providing beverage support and maximizing storage space, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and storage space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding cup holder is used, then the cup holder can move between multiple positions, but it cannot be removed from the console structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidremovability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cup holder member is designed to be movable along a longitudinal axis between multiple positions (first position blocking the storage compartment, second position not blocking the storage compartment). This dynamic positioning capability allows the cup holder to adapt between providing beverage support and maximizing storage space, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and storage space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cup holder assembly is segmented into separable components: the cup holder member that can be removed from the console structure, and the console structure itself with integrated recessed tracks. This segmentation allows the cup holder member to be easily installed and removed while maintaining sliding functionality, resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If a fixed cup holder is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the storage compartment cannot be fully utilized when the cup holder is not needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compartment utilizationVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cup holder member is designed to be movable along a longitudinal axis between multiple positions (first position blocking the storage compartment, second position not blocking the storage compartment). This dynamic positioning capability allows the cup holder to adapt between providing beverage support and maximizing storage space, directly resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and storage space occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cup holder member serves multiple functions: it provides beverage container support when in the first position, and can be moved to the second position or removed entirely to maximize storage compartment utilization. The console structure with recessed tracks provides both cup holder mounting and storage functionality, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9428092B2Sliding and removable cup holder assembly for vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.08.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A shelfless sliding and removable cup holder assembly for a vehicle includes a console structure disposed within the vehicle. The console structure includes first and second lateral side walls defining a storage bin therebetween. The first lateral side wall defines a recessed track. The cup holder assembly further includes cup holder member slidably and removably mounted within the console structure. The cup holder member has a guide removably received in the recess track and slidably movable along the recessed track.