Powered Cup Holders
Based in the US, AquaAmp has developed a cupholder that also doubles as a 12VDC output. There is even some ‘bling’ involved.
A recent winner of the innovation award (Electrical Systems category) at the US marine tech show IBEX, the SeaSocket from AquaAmp turns the simple cup holder into an automatic power outlet.
Cupholders are made to a cylindrical shape that is usually around 4 inches in diameter and 2-3 inches deep (100mm x 75mm) enabling them to accommodate most common drink cans and coffee cups. Boatbuilders tend to scatter them around the popular lounging areas of a boat, or where activities such as angling take place, so this puts the SeaSocket exactly where the power needs to be.
Unlike conventional DC power sockets, which are usually live whilst the boat’s battery is in use, the SeaSocket uses wireless NFC (Near Field Communication) to automatically turn the power on and off. Both the socket and the plug contain a tag, which the sensors recognize. This is an important safety feature, as it means the socket is only live when a compatible plug has been inserted. When that happens, the plug powers any device attached to it with a very useful 360 Watts (12V at up to 30 Amps), so anything from a fishfinder to a navigation light can draw the amps it needs. Drop in a metallic can of beer instead, or insert a salt encrusted finger, and there will be no recognition. The socket will stay dead.
Taking power to cupholders, especially in the US, is nothing new as many of them have an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LED array inside, part of the customisable interior ‘bling’ lighting. For the AquaAmp engineering team of Ryan Pickren and Bobby Wellden, it made perfect sense to use the 12V hook up for more than just a few LEDs.
“Nowadays, power is expected in every corner of the boat,” Pickren said. “So, we have added thick gauge wires, a stainless-steel top ring and potted electronics to this design. Boat builders love the concept because it keeps the lounge area looking clean, without ugly power outlets everywhere. Because the old style ‘cigarette lighter’ sockets remain live when the boat’s battery is switched on, any salt encrustation on the contacts accelerates corrosion. Boatbuilders are fitting cupholders anyway, so the apertures involved can be filled with SeaSockets instead.”
The bottom of the SeaSocket has a drain hole, which can be connected to a hose and directed to a gallery of inputs for communal use of a skin fitting. The plugs that make a tight fit into the SeaSocket have attachments on the top allowing them to accept a wide range of accessories. These can be expanded as new products become available. If it needs 12VDC, the SeaSocket will deliver, whilst also looking entirely at home in the boat.