Aircraft Cabin Table Flush Deployment via Dynamic Cover Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cabin interior layout assemblies with deployable tables are not aesthetically satisfactory when the table is deployed, as the cover protrudes and limits accessibility, and the table is not flush with the console, with visible hinges and a non-aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cover and console that define a passage slot for the table, with a flap that moves from an active closing configuration to a retracted configuration, allowing the table to bear on the flap and slide into a horizontal deployed position, using elastic biasing mechanisms and guide paths to ensure a flush and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover is kept open to allow table deployment, then the table can be accessed, but the cover protrudes above the console plate creating poor aesthetic appearance and limiting accessibility to areas behind the support plate
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is transformed from a static open position to a dynamic system where it can automatically adjust between open and closed positions based on table deployment state. The elastic mechanism enables the cover to dynamically respond to table position changes, providing both accessibility when needed and aesthetic closure when the table is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover system uses an elastic mechanism that automatically returns the cover to its closed position without manual intervention. The elastic element stores and releases energy to self-adjust the cover position, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the cover and ensuring it maintains an aesthetically pleasing closed state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table is deployed horizontally, then it provides functionality for passengers, but the table is not flush with the console plate and hinges are visible creating poor aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The table deployment mechanism is designed to dynamically adjust the table position, enabling it to achieve a flush alignment with the console plate when deployed. The mechanism includes guide paths and bearing points that control the table's movement trajectory, ensuring aesthetic alignment while maintaining full deployment functionality.
3Device complexity
If a simple cover mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the cover cannot automatically return to closed position and remains protruding
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic mechanism is integrated into the cover assembly to automatically return it to the closed position. This self-service feature uses the elastic element's inherent property to restore the cover without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems, thus maintaining relative simplicity while achieving the desired closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mechanism changes the physical state of the cover by applying restoring force that returns the cover to its original closed position. This parameter change in the cover's position and orientation is achieved through the elastic element's energy storage and release characteristics.
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 enhances the aesthetic appearance by keeping the cover flush with the table surface, improving accessibility and hiding the hinges, while maintaining a reproducible and efficient deployment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic return mechanism for returning the closing flap to its active configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An interior layout assembly of an aircraft cabin, and related method are provided. The assembly includes a table, a console defining a receiving housing and a cover mounted on the console. The cover in the closed configuration and the console define a passage slot between them. The assembly also includes a flap closing off the passage slot, movable by the table from an active configuration closing the passage slot to a retracted configuration freeing the passage slot during the passage of the table from its retracted position to the deployed position.