Aircraft Exit Row Table with Automatic Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft table designs near emergency exits do not easily retract, potentially obstructing passenger access during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table system with a retraction mechanism that automatically moves the table to a retracted position when the seat is unoccupied or during specific flight conditions, using sensors and actuators like pneumatic dampers or servo motors, ensuring clear access to emergency exits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a table is provided adjacent to an emergency exit location, then passenger comfort and convenience are improved, but the table may obstruct access to the emergency exit during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The table is designed with deployable and retractable capabilities, allowing it to dynamically change its state between deployed (for passenger use) and retracted (for emergency access). The table surface can be lowered to a stowed position within the seat or armrest, and raised to a usable position, ensuring it does not permanently obstruct emergency exits while providing convenience during normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The table structure is divided into separate components including a table surface, support arm, and mounting mechanism that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the table to be deployed only when needed and easily retracted by lowering the surface below the seat level, eliminating obstruction to emergency exits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable table is used, then emergency access is improved, but the table is not easily provided to passengers who need it
Solution Approach 1:
The table system incorporates automatic detection mechanisms including weight sensors that detect when a passenger is seated, and control systems that automatically deploy the table to an appropriate position. The system can also detect when the seat is unoccupied and automatically retract the table, eliminating the need for manual removal and installation while ensuring the table is available to passengers who need it
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect passenger presence and provides feedback to the control mechanism, which then automatically adjusts the table deployment state. When a passenger is detected, the table deploys to provide service; when no passenger is present, the table retracts to ensure emergency access, creating a responsive system that adapts to operational conditions
3Ease of operation
If the table remains deployed, then passenger convenience is improved, but the table may block the emergency exit pathway
Solution Approach 1:
The table surface is designed to be movable between a deployed position for passenger use and a retracted position below the seat level or within the armrest. This dynamic positioning ensures the table provides convenience when needed while automatically clearing the emergency exit pathway when retraction is required
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively retracts the table before emergency situations occur by detecting unoccupied seats or receiving signals that emergency access is needed. This preliminary action prevents obstruction of the exit pathway while maintaining passenger convenience during normal flight conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A table (30) for an aircraft includes a table surface (56) deployable between a retracted position and a deployed position, an arm (50) having a first end and a second end, the arm (50) supporting the table (66) surface at the first end, a support connected to the arm (50) at the second end, the support connecting the arm to a structure interior to the aircraft, a sensor (136) within the aircraft to detect if a seat adjacent to the table surface is occupied, and a mechanism (120) for retracting the table surface to the retracted position if the sensor (136) detects at least one of that the seat is not occupied and that the aircraft flight mode meets predetermined criteria.