Automatic Vehicle Table Deployment With Adjustable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowable and deployable tables in vehicles face challenges such as difficult manual manipulation, limited adjustment positions, noise, and instability under abuse loading in both mechanically and electrically driven systems, particularly in providing optimal positioning for users.
Innovation Solution
An electrically driven stowable and deployable table with a dual-operation switch allowing automatic deployment and user-adjustable positioning, combined with a rack and pinion gear mechanism using flexible cables for smooth and stable movement, mitigating noise and visual anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual mechanical rotation is used to deploy the table, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as users find manipulation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an electrically driven system. The electric motor (230) drives a rack and pinion mechanism (202, 204) to automatically rotate the table (4) between stowed and deployed positions, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the table edge and significantly improving ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If electrically driven rotation is used to deploy the table, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible cables (14, 16) instead of rigid mechanical linkages to transmit force from the racks to the table. These flexible cables smooth out the movement and eliminate the juddering and vibration caused by traditional rigid gear mechanisms, significantly reducing noise and visual anomalies while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If mechanically rotatable tables with ratchet mechanism are used, then ease of operation is improved for positioning, but adaptability deteriorates as adjustment positions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode control system that combines automatic deployment with manual adjustment capability. The switch (60) allows users to toggle between automatic mode (for quick deployment) and manual adjustment mode (for precise positioning), enabling continuous position adjustment rather than fixed discrete positions, thus improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If electrically driven systems with gearing mechanism are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under abuse loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible cables (14, 16) instead of rigid gear mechanisms to connect the drive system to the table. These flexible cables can accommodate abnormal loads and prevent damage to the drive mechanism, significantly improving reliability under abuse loading conditions while maintaining the ease of operation provided by electrical drive.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy automatic deployment and user-adjustable positioning with reduced noise and vibration, providing robust and stable operation even under varying loads, enhancing user convenience and table positioning flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive (10) comprising an electric motor (not shown) coupled to a pinion gear (12)
Implementation Method 2
a pinion gear (12) and parallel and opposite racks in the form of cables (14), (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The invention provides an electrically driven stowable and deployable table mounted on a support structure, wherein the table comprises a switch mechanism operable by a user to select between a first, automatic, operation for stowing and deployment of the table, and a second, user adjustable operation for user adjustment of the deployed position of the table.