Vehicle Hinge Bottle Opener With Integrated Cap Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle users often need to carry separate bottle openers during outdoor activities like camping and tailgating, which can be inconvenient and require additional storage space.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a bottle opener feature into the hinge assembly of a vehicle's closure member system, with a bottle cap catch feature in the trim piece to conceal and store the cap, eliminating the need for a separate opener and enhancing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users carry separate bottle openers during outdoor activities, then bottle opening functionality is provided, but additional storage space and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a bottle opener feature directly into the hinge bracket of the closure member system. The hinge bracket is modified to include a bottle opener arm with a contact edge that can engage with bottle caps, combining the structural support function of the hinge with the bottle opening function in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the closure member while simultaneously serving as a bottle opener. The trim piece also serves dual purposes by concealing the hinge assembly and providing a bottle cap catch feature, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate bottle opener is carried, then bottle opening capability is available, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bottle opener functionality is merged into the existing hinge bracket structure rather than being a separate component. The hinge bracket includes an arm with a contact edge specifically designed to engage bottle caps, integrating the bottle opening capability into the closure member system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member system is designed to perform multiple functions: the hinge bracket provides both structural support and bottle opening capability, while the trim piece provides both aesthetic coverage and bottle cap collection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by eliminating separate tools.
3Ease of operation
If bottle caps are not captured, then bottle opening is simpler, but cleanliness and organization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trim piece acts as an intermediary component that provides a bottle cap catch feature. This catch feature, formed by an opening and trough structure, intercepts and captures bottle caps after they are removed from bottles, preventing them from falling on the ground while maintaining the simplicity of the bottle opening action.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details vehicle closure member systems that include integrated features for increasing the functionality of a closure member (e.g., a swing gate) of the system. A bottle opener feature may be integrated as part of a hinge assembly that movably mounts the closure member relative to a vehicle body. A bottle cap catch feature may be integrated as part of a trim piece that at least partially conceals portions of the hinge assembly, and the bottle cap catch feature may function to collect bottle caps that are dislodged by the bottle opener feature. The integrated bottle opener and bottle cap catch features are conveniently packaged on the vehicle for use during outdoor social gatherings when the closure member is moved to an open position during stationary, non-moving conditions of the vehicle.