Aircraft Folding Table Cable-Pull Drive for Quiet Synchronized Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding tables for aircraft face challenges such as excessive space requirements, high weight, noise during extension, and uneven power assistance during the pull-out process, which hinder space optimization and fuel efficiency in aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A folding table design utilizing a cable pull device connected to a linear drive element, such as a gas pressure spring, to displace the support device from a stowed to an extended position, with guide devices on opposite sides of the frame for synchronized movement and reduced noise, and a damping mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rack and pinion drive is used to lift the table top, then the lifting can be synchronized on opposite sides, but the space required increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rack and pinion mechanical drive system with a cable pull device driven by a linear drive element (gas pressure spring). This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical gears and racks, significantly reducing the space required in the stationary structure while maintaining the synchronized lifting function through cable tension distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gas pressure spring as the linear drive element, utilizing pneumatic principles to generate the lifting force. This allows for a more compact design compared to mechanical gear systems, as the gas pressure spring can be integrated into the cable pull device without requiring additional space for mechanical transmission components.
2Reliability
If a rack and pinion drive is used to lift the table top, then the lifting can be synchronized on opposite sides, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy rack and pinion mechanical drive system with a cable pull device driven by a linear drive element (gas pressure spring). This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical gears and racks, significantly reducing the weight of the drive mechanism while maintaining the synchronized lifting function through cable tension distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gas pressure spring as the linear drive element, utilizing pneumatic principles to generate the lifting force. This allows for a more compact design compared to mechanical gear systems, as the gas pressure spring can be integrated into the cable pull device without requiring additional space for mechanical transmission components.
3Power
If a rack and pinion drive is used, then lifting can be achieved, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy rack and pinion mechanical drive system with a cable pull device driven by a linear drive element. This substitution eliminates the gear meshing and mechanical contact that generate noise, resulting in quieter operation while maintaining the lifting capability through cable tension.
4Power
If a rack and pinion drive is used, then lifting can be achieved, but the power assistance is not uniform during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent characteristics of the gas pressure spring to provide uniform power assistance throughout the extraction process. The gas pressure spring's force-displacement characteristics can be designed to deliver consistent force, and the cable pull device distributes this force evenly to both sides, ensuring uniform power assistance during the entire lifting operation.
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 solution reduces the space and weight requirements, minimizes noise, and ensures a smooth, even pull-out process, enhancing user experience and fuel efficiency by optimizing the use of available space and reducing the overall weight of the folding table.
Implementation Method 1
A folding table design utilizing a cable pull device connected to a linear drive element, such as a gas pressure spring
Implementation Method 2
The cable pull device has at least one pull cable which is connected to the linear drive element on one side and to the displacement device on the other side. By actuating the linear drive element, a tensile force is applied to the displacement device via the cable pull device
Implementation Method 3
a damping mechanism for smooth operation
Data Source
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Folding table (1), in particular for an aircraft, with a frame (2) preferably to be installed in an armrest or in a side-panelling (1') in the aircraft, with a support device (5) for a table top (5'), with a displacement device (7) for moving the support device (5) along the frame (2) from a stowed position to a deployed position, with a folding device (8) for folding a support element (6) of the support device (5) from the deployed position to a use position, and with a drive device (9) for assisting the displacement device (7) in moving the support device (5) from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein the drive device (9) has a linear drive element (10) which is connected to the displacement device (7) via a cable pull device (11).