Aircraft Folding Table With Dual-Axis Screen Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft tables lack versatility in their design, particularly in terms of space-saving stowage and adaptability for multiple uses such as both a surface and a screen, especially during take-off and landing when they need to be stowed efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A table with at least two movable top segments that are pivotable and rotatable about two axes, allowing for various configurations including a flat surface, screen usage, and stowage, with a screen taking up a significant portion of one segment and adjustable for different viewing angles, and the ability to be fixed in defined positions using joints or locking devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional aircraft tables are designed with fixed structure, then manufacturing is simple, but versatility and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. The table comprises a first table top segment and a second table top segment connected by a joint, allowing each segment to be positioned separately to create different configurations (flat surface, screen orientation, angled positions), thereby achieving versatility through segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure incorporates joints and locking devices that enable dynamic reconfiguration. The joint connects the two table top segments in a manner that allows rotation and positioning, while locking devices secure the segments in desired positions. This dynamic capability transforms a static structure into a versatile, adaptable system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If table top segments are made movable with multiple degrees of freedom, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table is segmented into exactly two table top segments connected by a single joint, providing the necessary degrees of freedom without excessive complexity. This segmentation allows the table to achieve multiple configurations (flat surface, screen mode, angled positions) while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint mechanism is designed to provide universal movement capability, allowing the second table top segment to rotate and position itself in multiple orientations relative to the first segment. This single joint structure serves multiple functions: enabling flat surface configuration, screen orientation, and various angled positions, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If table is designed for efficient stowage, then space utilization improves, but accessibility and ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The table incorporates a dynamic folding mechanism with joints and locking devices that enable easy transition between stowed and operational states. The locking devices allow the table segments to be quickly locked into position during deployment and easily released during stowage, maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact stowage configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A table for attaching to the wall of an aircraft. The table has a table top comprising at least two table top segments which are moveable relative to each other. At least one table top segment has a screen on one side. Two table top segments are pivotable or rotatable in relation to each other about at least two axes. The first axis runs parallel to an edge of a table top segment. The second axis runs substantially perpendicularly to the first axis in the plane of a table top segment.