Actuated meal table for first and business class cabins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional meal tables in first and business class cabins require separate tracking and rotational motions, leading to complex assemblies that consume significant cabin space and lack customizable height and angle adjustments, as well as one-touch deployment and stowing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A meal table assembly with a frame assembly and a lift mechanism that integrates vertical motion and rotation via a cam assembly, allowing for one-touch deployment and stowing, efficient space use, and customizable height and angle adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate tracking and rotational motions are used for meal table positioning, then the meal table can be positioned relative to the passenger seat, but the assembly becomes complex and consumes significant cabin space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeal table positioningVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate tracking and rotational motions into a single integrated mechanism. The support arm assembly incorporates both linear tracking along the console and rotational movement about a vertical axis within one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall complexity while maintaining full positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides linear tracking motion, rotational motion, and structural support all through a single assembly. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system while achieving the same positioning objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate tracking and rotational motions are used for meal table positioning, then the meal table can be positioned relative to the passenger seat, but the assembly consumes significant cabin space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeal table positioningVSAvoidcabin space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm can be retracted into or nested within the console structure when not in use, minimizing the space occupied in the cabin. The integrated design allows the entire positioning mechanism to be compactly stored within the console volume, freeing up valuable cabin space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional meal table assemblies are used, then basic positioning is achieved, but customizable height and angle adjustments are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable adjustmentsVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamically adjustable support arms that can be positioned at multiple heights and angles through controlled motion. The support arm assembly allows continuous adjustment of both vertical position and rotational angle, enabling customization for different passenger preferences while maintaining a relatively simple integrated mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 one-touch operation, efficient space utilization, customizable height and angle adjustments, and enhanced aesthetic appeal, while providing a luxurious dining experience.

Implementation Method 1

the meal table and the frame assembly are coupled via a cam assembly configured to coordinate vertical motion and rotation of the meal table relative to the frame assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

the lift mechanism includes a thread screw coupled to the frame assembly, a motor configured to rotate the thread screw, a driven nut threadably mounted on the thread screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastener mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4588802A1Actuated meal table for first and business class cabins

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 BE AEROSPACE INC

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AI summary

A meal table assembly (116) including a frame assembly (132) defining an interior space (138), a meal table (118) movably coupled to the frame assembly, and a lift mechanism (140) configured to move the meal table between a stowed position in the interior space and a deployed position outside of the interior space. In embodiments, the meal table and the frame assembly interact via a cam assembly configured to coordinate vertical motion and rotation of the meal table relative to the frame assembly as the meal table moves between the stowed and deployed positions. In embodiments, the meal table assembly is part of a console (104) that may be part of a seating configuration (100), for instance a first or business class seating configuration.