Aircraft Braking Table System with Automatic Rail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivoting seat back mounted tray tables are not well suited for premium accommodations or seating arrangements where no forward seats are available, and they lack sufficient stability and adjustment range, posing safety risks and limited usability.
Innovation Solution
A braking table system with a linear support rail and a table assembly that includes a braking mechanism, allowing intuitive control over the movement and stability of the tray table, ensuring it remains stationary without unintended motion during turbulence or acceleration, and permitting selective adjustment along the rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional pivoting seat back mounted tray table is used, then the tray table can be deployed for use, but it lacks sufficient stability and may move unintentionally during turbulence or acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism automatically engages when the table assembly reaches its deployed position, without requiring manual intervention from the passenger. The mechanism self-actuates through the movement itself, converting the deployment motion into automatic braking engagement, thereby providing stability without complicating the user interface
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism independent of the deployment mechanism. This allows the braking function to be optimized for reliability and automatic engagement without interfering with the simplicity of the deployment operation, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pivoting seat back mounted tray table is used, then the tray table can be deployed, but the adjustment range is limited due to space constraints and mount mechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system transitions from a fixed pivot point to a dynamic linear movement along a rail. The table assembly can move freely along the longitudinal axis of the rail within a extended range, allowing adaptation to different seating configurations and passenger needs without complex mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into a fixed rail portion and a movable table assembly portion. This segmentation allows the table to decouple from the seat back and move independently along the rail, expanding the adjustment range beyond what conventional mounted trays can achieve
3Ease of operation
If the tray table is made freely movable for convenience, then adjustment is easy, but unintended movement occurs during turbulence or acceleration posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism is pre-positioned along the rail to engage automatically when the table assembly reaches its deployed position. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the table is moved to its intended location, the brake is already in place to prevent any unintended movement, eliminating the need for additional locking actions by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The braking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable table assembly and the fixed rail. It provides a controlled interface that allows intentional movement during deployment but prevents unintended movement during operation, mediating between the need for adjustability and the need for stability
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
The braking table system provides enhanced stability and adjustable deployment, ensuring passenger safety and convenience by preventing unintended movement and allowing intuitive control over the tray table's position, accommodating various seating arrangements and premium comfort features.
Implementation Method 1
a braking mechanism (72) by which movement along the rail is selectively permitted or prevented
Data Source
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AI summary
A braking table system for use in an aircraft cabin includes a rail mountable to a fixed structure in the aircraft cabin, the fixed structure adjacent a seat assembly, and, a table assembly mounted on and selectively movable along the rail. The table assembly includes a support deck engaged with the rail, a tabletop mounted on the support deck, and a braking mechanism carried by the support deck. The braking mechanism automatically engages the rail thereby preventing movement of the support deck relative to the seat assembly, and, upon user action moving the tabletop, the braking mechanism permits movement of the table assembly along the rail. The braking mechanism includes brake arms, each permitting movement of the table assembly in a respective direction, and, in the absence of user action moving the tabletop relative to the support deck, preventing opposite movement of the table assembly.