Stowable Table Cup Holder That Works in Deployed and Stowed Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowable tables with cup holders only function when in the horizontal position, failing to accommodate a cup in the stowed position.
Innovation Solution
A stowable table design featuring a rotatable and slidable cup holder that transitions between a set back position in the deployed state and an aligned position in the stowed state, utilizing a combination of resilient elements, weighted portions, and actuators to maintain the holder upright and flush with the table or structure, ensuring functionality in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cup holder is fixed to the table portion, then the structure is simple, but the cup holder cannot function in the stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is made dynamically adjustable through rotatable and slidable coupling mechanisms. The rotatable coupling about a pivot axis allows the holder to orient itself, while the slidable coupling along a guide axis enables position adjustment, transforming a static fixed structure into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains functionality across different table configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The holder mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable coupling system about a pivot axis and a slidable coupling system along a guide axis. This segmentation allows independent control of orientation and position, enabling the holder to adapt to different positions while maintaining structural manageability
2Shape
If the holder is positioned flush with the table portion in deployed position, then the appearance is clean, but the holder cannot be flush with the receiving structure in stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The holder's position is made dynamic through the slidable coupling mechanism that moves the holder along the guide axis. This allows the holder to be positioned flush with the table portion in the deployed position for a clean appearance, and then slide to a different position in the stowed configuration, maintaining flush alignment with the receiving structure
Solution Approach 2:
The holder's spatial parameters (position and orientation) are changed between configurations. In the deployed position, the holder is positioned at a first location flush with the table portion. In the stowed position, the holder slides to a second location along the guide axis, changing its position parameter to achieve flush alignment with the receiving structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If the holder is held upright by gravity alone, then the mechanism is simple, but the holder cannot maintain upright position during transition
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight mechanism is introduced to balance the holder during transitions. The counterweight, connected through a flexible member and pulley system, provides an opposing force to gravity that maintains the holder in an upright position throughout the transition from deployed to stowed configuration, preventing uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 2:
A rack and pinion mechanism acts as an intermediary between the holder's rotational movement and the counterweight's linear movement. The pinion gear engages with the rack to convert the holder's rotation about the pivot axis into linear motion of the counterweight, mediating the interaction between gravitational force and rotational movement to maintain stable upright positioning
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 the cup holder to receive a liquid-containing receptacle in both horizontal and stowed positions, preventing spills and ensuring usability across table configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first resilient element configured to bias the holder (e.g. via the carrier) to the set back position
Implementation Method 2
a first weighted portion configured to bias the holder (e.g. via the carrier) to the aligned position when the table portion is in the stowed position, e.g. by virtue of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A stowable table 10, 100, 200, 300) comprising: a table portion (20) movable between a horizontal deployed position and a non-horizontal stowed position, the table portion being configured to be stowed in a receiving structure (60); and a holder (30) configured to receive a liquid containing receptacle, wherein the holder is rotatably coupled to the table portion about a pivot axis (32); wherein the holder is slidably coupled to the table portion and is slidable between a set back position in which the pivot axis is set back from an end (23) of the table portion when the table portion is in the deployed position and an aligned position in which the pivot axis is substantially aligned with the table portion end (23) when in the stowed position.