Aircraft angled conference table configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In smaller aircraft, the limited headroom and need for conference tables pose challenges in maintaining aisle clearance, as large tables can block or reduce the aisle width when deployed and folded.
Innovation Solution
An angled conference table configuration with hingedly connected sections that maintain consistent aisle clearance by using symmetrical and acute angles relative to the folding line, allowing the table to fold without reducing the aisle width, and optionally featuring a pillar for adjustable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large conference table is deployed in a smaller aircraft, then the conference functionality is improved, but the aisle width is reduced or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The conference table is divided into multiple hinged sections that can be folded together or separated. This segmentation allows the table to transition between a large deployed configuration for conferences and a compact folded configuration that preserves aisle width in smaller aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The table incorporates hinged connections between sections, making it dynamically adjustable. The table can be configured between different states (deployed/folded) depending on whether conference functionality or aisle clearance is the priority, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Length of moving object
If a conference table is folded to clear the aisle, then the aisle width is maintained, but the conference functionality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the table into hinged sections, the design enables the table to be folded into a compact configuration that clears the aisle while maintaining the capability to be fully deployed for conference use when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The table serves multiple functions: it provides full conference functionality when deployed and acts as an aisle-clearing compact structure when folded. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to satisfy both aisle width requirements and conference functionality requirements at different times.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional seating arrangements are used to maximize seating capacity, then the seating capacity is improved, but the flexibility for conference table deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged, adjustable table design provides dynamic flexibility that complements traditional seating arrangements. The table can be deployed or folded independent of the fixed seating configuration, allowing maximum seating capacity to be maintained while still providing conference functionality when the table is in its deployed state.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft table configuration includes a first table section and a second table section. The first and second table sections are hingedly connected along a first hinge line so that the second table section is configurable between a deployed, opened position and a folded, closed position. The first table section presents a first angled side and the second table section table presents a second angled side. The first angled side defines a first angle with respect to the first hinge line, and the second angled side defines a second angle with respect to the first hinge line. The first angled side and the second angled side are opposite to one another on either side of the first hinge line, wherein the first and second angled sides are adapted to define an aisle width in the aircraft. The aisle width does not change between the open position and the closed position.