Aircraft Tray Table Carrier Structure and Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat configurations with tray tables are difficult to assemble, maintain, and have a less appealing design due to exposed components and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A tray table apparatus with a table carrier structure that is releasably mountable to a console element, featuring a pre-assembled adjustment mechanism allowing the table element to move between a stowed and deployed position, simplifying assembly and maintenance while improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linear guidance elements and pivot joints are directly mounted to the console to allow linear translational and rotational movement of the tray table, then the tray table can achieve the required movement functionality, but assembly, installation, and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system is divided into separate functional modules: a console element, a tray table apparatus with its own carrier structure, and an adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured, assembled, and tested independently, then installed as a complete unit, significantly reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining full movement functionality through the distributed guidance elements and pivot joints in each module
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism and table carrier structure are pre-assembled into an integrated unit before installation on the console. The linear guidance elements and pivot joints are already configured and tested within this pre-assembled apparatus, allowing for quick installation as a complete functional unit rather than assembling multiple small components on the console during final installation
2Ease of operation
If linear guidance elements and pivot joints are directly mounted on the console, then the tray table achieves movement capability, but the exposed elements create a less appealing appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism with its linear guidance elements and pivot joints is nested within the table carrier structure, which itself is mounted to the console. This nested arrangement allows the mechanical components to be hidden within the housing of the tray table apparatus, presenting a clean, appealing exterior surface while maintaining full movement capability through the enclosed mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit with its own carrier structure, removing the need to mount individual guidance elements and pivot joints directly on the console surface. This extraction allows the console to maintain a clean, uninterrupted appearance while the tray table apparatus houses all necessary mechanical components within its own structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the tray table apparatus is designed as a pre-assembled module with releasable mounting, then assembly and maintenance are simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system is segmented into distinct modular components: a console element, a tray table apparatus with carrier structure, and an adjustment mechanism. Each segment is designed as a complete functional unit with standardized interfaces, allowing complex functionality to be distributed across simple, manageable modules that are easier to manufacture and maintain despite the overall system complexity
4Area of stationary object
If the table element is housed within the table carrier structure when not in use, then passenger space and visual appeal are enhanced, but the mechanism for moving between stowed and deployed positions becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The table element is designed with dynamic positioning capability, moving between a stowed position within the carrier structure and a deployed position for use. The carrier structure incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows smooth transitions between positions, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining a clean, space-efficient appearance when stowed
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table apparatus includes a table carrier structure releasably mountable to a console element, wherein the table carrier structure is configured as a housing. The tray table apparatus further includes an adjustment mechanism housed within the table carrier structure, wherein the adjustment mechanism has a table support element movable relative to the table carrier structure. The tray table apparatus also includes a table element coupled to the table support element and together movable between at least a retracted stowed position in which the table element is housed within the table carrier structure and a deployed use position in which the table element protrudes from the table carrier structure.