Aircraft Table Locking Mechanism for Sequential Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Table arrangements in aircraft, particularly for first-class seats, face challenges in coordinating the rotation and translation motions of table elements to prevent collisions and ensure smooth deployment and stowage, while maintaining stability and preventing unwanted rotation of support rods due to changes in the center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A table arrangement with a locking mechanism comprising first and second locking members that align and engage to control the rotation and translation of the table element, ensuring that these motions occur sequentially and preventing simultaneous rotation and translation, thereby preventing collisions and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the table element is allowed to translate transverse to the support member, then the table element can move between stowed and deployed positions, but the centre of gravity moves to a different side of the support rod causing unwanted rotation
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the table element and support rod, preventing unwanted rotation while allowing controlled translation. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that engages with a feature on the support rod to stabilize it during table element movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is engaged in advance before translation occurs, ensuring the support rod is secured against rotation. This preliminary engagement prevents the centre of gravity shift from causing unwanted rotation during the translation process.
2Ease of operation
If the table element undergoes rotation and translation motions, then it can be deployed from stowed to usable position, but the motions may occur simultaneously causing collision with housing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states to control the sequence of motions. During deployment, the locking mechanism is unlocked to allow rotation, then locked to enable translation, ensuring motions occur sequentially rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides feedback control by requiring the table element to complete rotation before translation can begin. The locking member must be in the correct position to engage, providing a mechanical feedback signal that the previous motion is complete before allowing the next motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A table arrangement including a support member rotatably mounted to a base structure, a table element translatably mounted to the support member, and a locking mechanism is described. The locking mechanism may include a first locking member connected to the support member to rotate with the support member between non-aligned and aligned configurations with respect to the second locking member, and a second locking member. The first or second locking member may be translatably mounted with respect to the other locking member between a first engagement position and a second engagement position, wherein, when the first locking member is in the aligned configuration, the first or second locking member can translate into the second engagement position. The table arrangement may be deployed and stowed.