Passive Self-Leveling Cup Holder

Passive Self-Leveling Cup Holder - open-source assistive technology working model by the Cornell Tech community

The challenge

This project is needed because carrying drinks on moving mobility devices can be difficult, inconvenient, and sometimes unsafe. A normal cup holder stays fixed to the wheelchair or cart frame, so when the user moves over uneven ground, ramps, thresholds.

Who it helps

Potential users of this solution include wheelchair users who need to carry drinks while moving, especially in situations where spills may be inconvenient or unsafe.

How it works

The cup holder addresses the challenge by allowing the cup to rotate independently from the wheelchair or cart base. When the base tilts, the self-leveling mechanism helps the cup stay closer to vertical, reducing spills.

Our solution is a passive self-leveling cup holder that can be mounted on a wheelchair or other mobility platform. It uses a 3D-printed mechanical structure with a curved frame, rotating arm, and cup holder to keep the cup closer to upright.

Tools needed

Fusion 360

Measurement tool

Digital caliber

FDM Printer

Project details

The build files for Passive Self-Leveling Cup Holder are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events