Aircraft Table Mechanism with Rail and Damped Hinge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft passenger seating table assemblies lack adjustability and versatility, failing to meet the premium accommodation expectations of passengers across different seating classes.

Innovation Solution

A passenger suite with a table mechanism providing three degrees of freedom - translational, vertical, and rotational movement - integrated with a support column and rail assembly, featuring a brake system for controlled movement and a folding panel design for compact stowage, allowing the table to be adjusted and reconfigured for various uses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed with fixed mounting arrangements for compact stowage, then the table can be deployed and compactly stowed, but the table provides little or no adjustability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable adjustabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table assembly transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic system with three degrees of freedom: longitudinal translation along the rail assembly, vertical translation via the support column, and rotation about the vertical axis. This dynamic design allows the table to adapt to various positions and orientations while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure through the use of a linear rail guide and damped hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed with complex hinge mechanisms for vertical and rotational deployment, then the table can be deployed from within arm rest bay, but the table lacks adjustability in premium accommodations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable adjustabilityVSAvoiddeployment operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table assembly allows continuous adjustment of multiple parameters including longitudinal position along the rail, vertical height through the support column, and rotational orientation about the vertical axis. These parameter changes enable the table to achieve various configurations suitable for different passenger needs and premium accommodation expectations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the table allows free movement in multiple directions, then the table provides premium adjustability, but the table may not return to or maintain proper stowage orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable adjustabilityVSAvoidstowage orientation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The damped hinge mechanism automatically returns the table to its proper stowage orientation after deployment by providing a controlled restoring moment that guides the table back to its initial position. The damping effect ensures the table settles smoothly into the stowage position without oscillation, maintaining stability while allowing premium adjustability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances passenger comfort by offering customizable table positions and orientations, improving usability and aesthetics while maintaining compact stowage capabilities, thus addressing the need for premium amenities in aircraft seating.

Implementation Method 1

a brake selectively prevents movement of the support column and table along the rail assembly when engaged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a second hinge assembly between the second panel and the third panel, the second hinge assembly including a second dampener

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11230381B2Passenger suite with table mechanism with vertical, translational and rotational adjustment

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

An adjustable table assembly for use in a passenger cabin environment such as an aircraft passenger suite including a passenger seat. The table assembly includes a fixed rail assembly attached to a monument, a support column rotatably mounted on the rail assembly, and a table mounted on the support column, the table having a stowed position and deployed positions in a first direction generally toward the passenger seat from the stowed position. The table has a predetermined stowage orientation at which the support column and table are movable along the rail assembly in a second direction opposite the first direction to the stowed position, and the rail assembly prevents the table from moving into the stowed position when the table is rotated out of the predetermined stowage orientation.