Aircraft Cabin Table Assembly With Horizontal Retraction and Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cabin interior layout assemblies have ergonomic and space inefficiencies, as tables are not adaptable to different seating arrangements, limit accessibility, and occupy excessive volume when retracted, while being complex to integrate.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table system with horizontal extension and rotation capabilities, allowing translation and rotation about vertical axes, coupled with a guide mechanism for smooth deployment and retraction, and a locking mechanism for adaptability and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the table is retracted vertically into the console, then the table is stored compactly, but it occupies large volume vertically and limits accessibility to the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retraction direction from vertical to horizontal. The tray moves horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the console during retraction, rather than moving vertically upward. This dimensional change allows the tray to be stored flush with the console front surface while maintaining accessibility to the rear compartments, as the horizontal movement path does not block access to rearward locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic deployment mechanism where the tray can move between retracted and deployed positions along a horizontal path. The articulation system allows the tray to rotate and translate smoothly, transitioning from a horizontal retracted position to a vertical deployed position, providing adaptability in both storage and usage states.
2Device complexity
If the table is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted to different seating arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed table into a dynamic, movable tray system. The tray is mounted on a carriage that can move along guides, and connected via an articulation system that allows rotation and translation. This enables the tray to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations to accommodate different seating arrangements, while the guiding mechanisms maintain structural control without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the table assembly into separate functional components: the tray, the carriage, the articulation system, and the guiding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the tray to move and adapt while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable in complexity.
3Strength
If the table protrudes vertically from the console, then rigidity is ensured, but the device becomes bulky and complex to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic deployment mechanism where the tray transitions from a horizontal retracted position to a vertical deployed position through controlled rotation and translation. The articulation system maintains rigidity in the deployed position through proper mechanical constraints and support structures, while avoiding the need for permanently bulky vertical protrusions. The tray achieves stability when deployed through the articulation mechanism rather than through excessive vertical projection.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device for an aircraft cabin interior layout assembly comprises a fixed frame extending according to a longitudinal direction; and a table comprising a tray deployable relative to the frame between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The tray extends horizontally in the retracted configuration and in the deployed configuration and is displaceable in rotation about a first axis of rotation, substantially parallel, while remaining horizontal between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration. The tray is displaceable in translation relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction between a first position of use and a second position of use when the tray is in the deployed configuration, while being fixed in rotation about the first rotation axis.