Universal cup holder adapter for vehicles including temperature control feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cup holders lack temperature control functionality and are not universally compatible with different vehicle platforms, limiting their versatility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A universal cup holder adapter featuring a bezel with receptacles and an electronic temperature control unit that fits various cup holders, allowing for temperature variation by communicating energy to the receptacles upon activation, thereby enhancing compatibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter design is implemented to fit various cup holders, then compatibility across different vehicle platforms is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for universal fitting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can fit multiple cup holder sizes and shapes. The bezel assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms and flexible mounting options that allow the same adapter unit to be installed in various vehicle console configurations, achieving broad compatibility without requiring multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into separate functional modules: a bezel assembly that interfaces with the cup holder, a receptacle portion that holds the beverage container, and an electronic temperature control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall universal compatibility through standardized connection interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If temperature control functionality is added to the cup holder, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases due to the electronic control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic temperature control unit is integrated directly into the adapter assembly, merging the temperature control functionality with the mechanical cup holder interface. This consolidation allows the temperature control features to be added without requiring a separate complex system, as the control unit communicates directly with the receptacle through the adapter's internal structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter includes both mechanical fitting components and electronic temperature control, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is manufactured as separate assemblies (bezel, receptacle, electronic control unit) that are produced independently using different manufacturing processes appropriate to each component's requirements. These modular assemblies are then connected through standardized interfaces, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process while simplifying the overall production workflow.
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 adapter provides a temperature control feature to vehicle cup holders, ensuring compatibility across different vehicle platforms and enhancing user convenience by allowing for temperature adjustment of beverages.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic temperature control unit is in electrical communication with the at least one receptacle such that energy is communicated to the at least one receptacle upon activation of the electronic temperature control unit to thereby vary a temperature of the universal adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A universal adapter is disclosed for a cup holder included in the console of a vehicle. The universal adapter includes: a bezel; at least one receptacle extending from the bezel; and an electronic temperature control unit supported by the bezel. The bezel is configured in correspondence with a recess defined by the console such that movement of the universal adapter is inhibited via contact between an outer wall of the bezel and an inner wall of the console defining the recess. The at least one receptacle is receivable by the cup holder and is configured to receive a beverage container. The electronic temperature control unit is in electrical communication with the at least one receptacle such that energy is communicated to the at least one receptacle upon activation of the electronic temperature control unit to thereby vary a temperature of the universal adapter.