Adjustable cantilevered table assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft passenger seats lack efficient and space-saving solutions for deploying tray tables that provide comfortable and convenient access to passengers, especially in angled seating arrangements where the back of a forward seat may not be accessible to a passenger in the next seat.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable table assembly with a jointed arm mechanism that includes a first arm attached to the seat, a second arm that pivots to support the table, and a tension/compression member system to maintain the table's horizontal position, allowing it to be lowered and positioned for passenger convenience while conserving space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional tray table is deployed from the back of a forward seat, then passengers in parallel row seating can access it conveniently, but angled seating arrangements prevent access to the forward seat back

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to tray tableVSAvoidcompatibility with seating arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tray table is mounted on a jointed arm mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of position and orientation. The arm can pivot at multiple joints to adapt to different seating configurations, enabling the table to be positioned within reach of passengers in both parallel and angled seating arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tray table assembly is designed to serve multiple seating configurations through its adjustable arm mechanism. It can be positioned to serve passengers in traditional parallel rows as well as angled/herringbone seating arrangements, making it universally applicable to different cabin layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the tray table is lowered to provide comfortable access to passengers, then ease of use improves, but the table may collide with the forward seat or require excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfortable access to tray tableVSAvoidspace required for table deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of lowering the table vertically which consumes vertical space, the jointed arm mechanism extends the table horizontally and positions it within reach of the passenger. The arm pivots to deliver the table to the appropriate horizontal position without requiring excessive vertical clearance, effectively using horizontal space instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The jointed arm mechanism allows the tray table to be nested or folded into a compact configuration when not in use, storing it within or adjacent to the seat structure. When deployed, the arm extends to deliver the table to the passenger, providing comfortable access while minimizing the space required when stowed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a jointed arm mechanism is used to position the tray table, then adaptability and comfort improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of tray table positionVSAvoidcomplexity of support mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support mechanism is divided into multiple segmented arms connected by pivots, allowing independent adjustment at each joint. This segmentation enables the complex positioning task to be broken down into simpler rotational movements at each pivot point, making the overall system more manageable despite its adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are combined into the single jointed arm mechanism: support for the tray table, adjustment of height, positioning of horizontal location, and adaptation to different seating configurations. By merging these functions into one integrated mechanism rather than separate systems, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3712067B1Adjustable cantilevered table assembly

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 BE AEROSPACE INC

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AI summary

A table assembly (100) including a first arm (210) attachable to a fixed structure, a second arm (310) pivotally attached to the first arm (210), a third arm (410) is pivotally attached to the second arm (310), and a table (150) attached to the third arm (410). The second arm (310) is configured to maintain the first arm (210) and the third arm (410) parallel as the first arm (210) and the third arm (410) pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm (310). The second arm (310) includes a tension member (330) configured to transfer tension along the second arm (310) from the first arm (210) to the third arm (410) as the first arm (210) and third arm (410) pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm (310). The tension member (330) may be further configured to transfer compression along the second arm (310) from the third arm (410) to the first arm (210) as the first arm (210) and third arm (410) pivot simultaneously relative to the second arm (310).