A table arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table arrangements in aircraft seat modules, particularly in business and first class seating, face challenges in providing a 'square-on' table surface when mounted to non-'square-on' structures due to angled seating, limiting mounting options and complicating stowage.
Innovation Solution
A table arrangement with a second table element that rotates and translates relative to a first table element, allowing it to be mounted on non-'square-on' structures while providing a 'square-on' surface to passengers, with a design that includes a support arm and rotational axis to optimize table area and stowage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table arrangement is mounted to a non-'square-on' structure of the aircraft seat module, then the mounting options are increased, but it is not readily possible to provide a 'square-on' table surface to the passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The second table element is made rotatable relative to the first table element about an axis substantially perpendicular to both table surfaces. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the table arrangement to adapt to non-'square-on' mounting structures while still providing a 'square-on' table surface to the passenger by rotating the second element to the correct orientation.
2Area of moving object
If the table arrangement provides a large table area, then the usability is improved, but the stowage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The table arrangement is divided into two separate table elements: a first table element and a second table element. The second element can rotate relative to the first, allowing the table to be segmented for easier stowage while maintaining a large total table area when deployed. The elements can be stacked or folded together to reduce the stowage footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The second table element rotates about an axis perpendicular to the table surfaces, utilizing rotational movement in a third dimension to achieve both large table area and compact stowage. This dimensional approach allows the table to expand when needed and collapse into a compact form for stowage.
3Device complexity
If the table arrangement is designed with a simple fold structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but it results in a complicated table shape that is difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fixed angled fold structure, the invention employs a dynamic rotational mechanism where the second table element can rotate relative to the first element about a perpendicular axis. This dynamic approach simplifies the structural design while maintaining a consistent, simple table shape during both deployment and stowage configurations.
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
Enables a large, 'square-on' table surface to be provided to passengers at various angles while allowing effective stowage, with the second table element rotating and translating to align with the first, maintaining a compact shape and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The second table element is rotatably mounted to the first table element about an axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second table surfaces, such that the second table element is moveable from the first position with respect to the first table element to the second position with respect to the first table element, the second position being rotationally transformed from the first position.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention provides a table arrangement (100) for use in an aircraft seat module, the table arrangement comprising a first table element (110) suitable for being movably mounted to a mounting structure (200) of the aircraft seat module, the first table element being provided with a first table surface (111), a second table element (120) provided with a second table surface (121) substantially parallel to the first table surface, wherein the second table element is mounted to the first table element, such that the second table element is moveable from a first position with respect to the first table element to a second position with respect to the first table element, the second position being transformed from the first position within the plane of the second table element. The present invention also provides an aircraft seat module, an aircraft and a method of deploying a table arrangement.