Vehicle Vacuum Port and Cup Holder Integration for Easy Hose Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board vacuum cleaner systems in motor vehicles are difficult to operate and unsightly, particularly due to the challenges of manipulating the intake hose within tight vehicle surroundings.
Innovation Solution
An on-board central vacuum system with a vacuum motor assembly, a series of port assemblies, and a connecting hose, where the port assemblies feature a recess in the vehicle trim with a cup holder that can be moved between installed and removed positions to reveal access, and a quick-connect mechanism for easy hose connection, allowing for efficient operation and accessibility throughout the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional on-board vacuum system with fixed hose storage is used, then the vacuum motor assembly is integrated into the vehicle, but manipulation of the intake hose becomes difficult within the tight vehicle surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is divided into multiple sections with connection portions that allow it to be segmented and reconfigured. This segmentation enables the hose to be routed through different paths and stored in various locations within the vehicle, making manipulation easier in tight spaces while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to be moved between different storage locations and configured for different cleaning tasks. This dynamic capability enables easy manipulation within the vehicle interior while keeping the overall system integrated and relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If vacuum ports are made accessible throughout the vehicle for easy operation, then ease of use is improved, but the system becomes unsightly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is nested within the vacuum port assembly, creating a multi-functional integrated unit. When the cup holder is installed, it conceals the vacuum port, maintaining a sleek vehicle interior appearance. When removed, it provides access to the port for hose connection, enabling easy operation without compromising aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum port assembly serves multiple functions: it provides vacuum access when needed and serves as a cup holder during normal use. This multi-functionality allows ports to be accessible throughout the vehicle without creating unsightly appearances, as the same structure serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
3Device complexity
If cup holders are integrated into vacuum port assemblies for space efficiency, then device complexity is reduced, but access to the vacuum port is blocked when cup holder is installed
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be easily removed when vacuum access is needed and reinstalled when not needed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both integrated space efficiency and easy port access when required, without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board central vacuum system includes a vacuum motor assembly, a first vacuum port assembly and a connecting hose. The first vacuum port assembly is configured in a first location of the vehicle. The first vacuum port assembly includes a recess formed in vehicle trim and a cup holder. The recess defines a first port. The cup holder is removably positioned in the recess. The cup holder is movable between and installed position and a removed position. In the installed position the cup holder is received by the recess and blocks access to the first port. In the removed position, the cup holder is removed from the recess revealing access to the first port. The connecting hose fluidly connects the vacuum motor assembly to the first port.