Soft Shell Cup Holder Assembly for Vehicle Armrest Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cup holder assemblies in motor vehicle rear seats are uncomfortable due to their hard plastic material, which restricts occupant penetration and causes discomfort when the armrest is stowed, as the limited foam cushion thickness allows the hard plastic to be felt against the back, and they can also pose risks during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A 3-piece cup holder assembly with a bezel, support ring, and cup holder body made from soft shell construction materials, allowing the cup holder body to collapse under pressure, featuring a flexible material that transforms between configurations, and is securely attached to the armrest assembly using projecting fingers, receivers, and tabs for enhanced comfort and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard plastic cup holder assembly is used in the rear seat center armrest, then the cup holder provides structural support and durability, but the occupant feels discomfort against the back and restricted penetration when the armrest is in the stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly is divided into three separate components: a rigid bezel, a rigid support ring, and a flexible cup holder body. This segmentation allows the rigid parts to provide structural support while the flexible body absorbs compression forces, resolving the contradiction between strength and occupant penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder body is made from a flexible material that can collapse under compression forces when the armrest is in the stowed position. This flexible shell allows the occupant to penetrate the armrest comfortably while the rigid bezel and support ring maintain structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a hard plastic cup holder assembly is used with limited foam cushion thickness, then the cup holder maintains its shape and support, but the hard plastic is felt against the occupant's back causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cup holder body acts as a soft interface between the rigid support structure and the occupant's back. When compressed, it deforms to conform to the occupant's body, eliminating the hard plastic feel while the rigid bezel and support ring maintain the cup holder's structural shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly combines rigid materials (bezel and support ring) with flexible material (cup holder body) to create a composite structure that provides both structural stability and seating comfort. The rigid parts maintain shape while the flexible part ensures comfort.
3Strength
If a hard plastic cup holder assembly is used, then the cup holder provides durable support, but it poses safety risks during collisions due to inability to collapse
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cup holder into rigid structural components (bezel, support ring) and a flexible collapsible body, the design maintains durability for normal use while enabling energy absorption during collisions. The flexible body collapses to reduce harmful forces during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cup holder body is designed to collapse under compression forces, providing beforehand cushioning during collision events. This allows the structure to absorb impact energy before it reaches the occupant, reducing safety risks while maintaining structural integrity.
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 soft shell cup holder assembly significantly improves seating comfort by eliminating the hard plastic feel, enhances occupant penetration, and reduces the risk of injury during collisions, while being cost-effective and aesthetically versatile.
Implementation Method 1
the cup holder body is made from a soft material that is able to collapse when subjected to foreseeable pressure resulting from one sitting in the center seat position
Data Source
AI summary
A cup holder assembly includes a bezel, a support ring and a cup holder body captured between the bezel and the support ring. An armrest assembly includes a support frame, a cushion, a trim cover and the cup holder assembly.