Console-Mounted Stowable Tray for Aircraft Cockpits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowable tray devices are not suitable for aircraft cockpits due to space constraints, often interfering with flight controls and leg space, and do not provide a convenient location for pilots to place items without compromising their duties.
Innovation Solution
A stowable tray device with a console-mounted design featuring a guide rail and slide mechanism that allows the panel to move between a stored and deployed position, ensuring it does not interfere with the side stick or leg space, and can be used as a tabletop for pilots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stowable tray device is installed in an aircraft cockpit, then pilots have a convenient location to place items, but the tray may interfere with flight controls or leg space
Solution Approach 1:
The tray device is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to transition between deployed and stowed positions. The tray can be moved along guide rails and adjusted to different angles, enabling it to provide functionality when needed while being retracted to avoid interference with flight controls and leg space when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray device utilizes vertical space by mounting it to the overhead console, allowing it to extend downward when deployed and retract upward when stowed. This vertical dimension enables the tray to provide functionality without occupying horizontal space that would interfere with flight controls or pilot leg space.
2Ease of operation
If a tray device is mounted to the overhead console, then it provides a functional tabletop for pilots, but it may reduce usable leg space in the confined cockpit environment
Solution Approach 1:
The tray device features a movable design that allows it to be retracted into a stowed position when not in use, maximizing the available leg space for pilots. When needed, the tray can be deployed to provide a functional tabletop, thus dynamically adjusting the available space based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray device is mounted to the overhead console and utilizes the vertical space above the pilot's head, extending downward when deployed and retracting upward when stowed. This approach provides a functional tabletop without permanently occupying horizontal leg space, as the tray operates in the vertical dimension rather than encroaching on the pilot's knee area.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is positioned to be easily accessible to the pilot, then it improves usability, but it may interfere with the side stick or other flight controls
Solution Approach 1:
The tray device is designed with movable components that allow it to be positioned and repositioned as needed. It can be moved along guide rails and adjusted to different angles, enabling the pilot to access the tray conveniently when needed while being able to retract or reposition it to avoid interference with the side stick or other flight controls during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray device is divided into separate movable components including the tray surface, support arms, and mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, enabling the tray to be accessed by the pilot while maintaining clear access to flight controls, as the tray can be positioned to the side or retracted when not needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A console mounted pilot tray assembly includes an aircraft cockpit having a console. A seat is mounted in the aircraft and faces the console. A side stick is mounted laterally to the console and a leg receiving space is positioned under the console. A mount is positioned under and is mounted to the console. The mount includes a guide rail. A panel has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A slide attached to the panel and is moveably mounted to the guide rail. The panel is moved along the guide rail and under the console to define a stored position. The panel is moved to a deployed position. The deployed position is defined as the panel extending outwardly away from the guide rail and the console.