Vehicular Armrest Tray Table Mechanism for Flexible Seat Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle armrests lack versatility in providing tray tables that can be easily stowed and positioned proximate to various seating locations, limiting their utility and comfort for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle armrest design that is rotationally operable between upright and downward positions, featuring stowable tray tables that can be slidably extended from the armrest and pivotally positioned adjacent to seating areas, with a sliding carriage system and locking mechanisms to secure the trays in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tray tables are permanently mounted on the armrest, then they are always available for use, but they occupy space and reduce versatility when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The tray tables are designed to be dynamically repositionable between a stowed position within the armrest and an extended position for use. The sliding carriage mechanism allows the tray tables to move linearly, while the pivotal connection enables rotational deployment to various angular positions. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by making the tray tables available when needed while maintaining armrest versatility when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables are extended from the armrest, then they provide workspace near seating positions, but they increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tray tables are integrated with the armrest structure through a unified carriage system. The carriage serves dual purposes: it supports the tray tables and provides the sliding mechanism for extension and retraction. The pivotal connection merges the rotation function directly into the tray table assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray tables are nested within the armrest housing when in the stowed position. The carriage system allows the tray tables to be stored compactly inside the armrest structure, similar to nested dolls. This nesting approach provides workspace when needed while minimizing the space occupied and structural complexity when the tray tables are not in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is made rotationally operable between upright and downward positions, then it serves multiple seating positions, but it reduces stability
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with rotational operability that allows it to transition between upright and downward positions. This dynamic capability enables the armrest to adapt to different seating configurations and user needs. The rotational mechanism incorporates damping or friction elements that provide stability in each positioned while allowing controlled transitions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an armrest rotationally operable between upright and downward positions. Stowable tray tables are slidable within the armrest between a stowed position within the armrest and a ready position extended from the armrest. In the ready position, each stowable tray table is selectively pivotable to a table position proximate a respective seating position.