Cockpit Tray Table System for Space-Constrained Aircraft Consoles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cockpit environments with extended center consoles between pilot and co-pilot seats lack sufficient space for traditional tray table assemblies, forcing pilots to hold or place items inconveniently on their laps due to the tight fit.
Innovation Solution
A cockpit tray table system comprising a console with laterally extending trays mounted on a frame adjacent to the seats, providing a stable and removable surface for holding items without obstructing cockpit controls or avionic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tray table assemblies are installed in a cockpit with extended center console, then pilots can hold items conveniently, but the tight fit of the cockpit prevents sufficient space for such assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system is divided into separate modular trays that can be independently positioned and removed. Each tray serves a specific function and can be selectively deployed based on need, allowing the system to fit within the constrained cockpit space while providing convenient item support when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray tables are designed to be movable and repositionable rather than fixed. They can be adjusted to different positions and angles, and can be completely removed when not needed, dynamically adapting to the limited cockpit space while maintaining ease of operation when deployed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables are added to provide item support surface, then pilots gain convenient writing and eating space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table system is designed to perform multiple functions including holding electronics, providing writing space, and supporting food items. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices for each purpose, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray tables are designed as removable components that can be taken out when not needed. This extraction principle allows the system to provide enhanced functionality when required while maintaining simplicity and reducing complexity when the trays are removed or folded away.
3Ease of operation
If tray tables extend laterally over seats, then pilots can access them conveniently, but they may obstruct cockpit controls or avionic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tray tables are designed with movable supports and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow them to be dynamically repositioned. They can be extended laterally for pilot access when needed and retracted or repositioned when not in use, preventing obstruction of cockpit controls and avionic equipment while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cockpit table system includes an airplane cockpit having a pair of front seats. A console is positioned in front of the seats and includes a central section that extends between the seats. The central section has a first lateral wall positioned adjacent to a first one of the seats and a second lateral wall positioned adjacent to a second one of the seats. A top wall extends between the first and second lateral walls. A frame is mounted to the console and is positioned adjacent to and outside of each of the first and second lateral walls. A first tray is mounted on the frame adjacent to the first lateral wall and a second tray is mounted on the frame adjacent to the second lateral wall. The first and second trays laterally extend away from each other and over their respectively adjacent seats.