Deployable Center Console Table With Cam-Slot Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a convenient and space-efficient way to deploy a work surface within the cabin interior of passenger vehicles, allowing passengers to utilize a workspace during travel.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table system integrated into a center console, featuring a base, table, and pivot pins with arcuate cam slots, along with a locking mechanism that allows the table to rotate between multiple use positions proximate to both the driver and passenger seats, utilizing a cover assembly that pivots to expose the table when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a work surface is deployed within the cabin interior, then workspace availability is improved, but space utilization and storage efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The table is nested within the center console storage compartment when not in use, allowing the work surface to be stored inside the existing console structure. This nesting approach enables the table to occupy space within the console's internal volume rather than requiring additional external space, thus improving workspace availability while maintaining space utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed to be dynamically deployable from a stowed position within the center console to an extended working position. The mechanism allows the table to transition between compact storage and functional workspace states, enabling adaptable workspace availability while preserving the console's original footprint when the table is not needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable table mechanism is added to the center console, then workspace functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table deployment mechanism is merged with the existing center console structure, utilizing the console's housing, cover assembly, and internal components as part of the support structure. This integration approach incorporates the deployable table functionality into the existing console design rather than adding a completely separate mechanism, thus improving workspace functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table is made movable relative to the base with multiple rotation positions, then adaptability is improved, but stability and locking reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the cam slots and pivot pins when the table reaches specific rotational positions, providing self-locking functionality without requiring manual intervention. This self-service locking approach ensures that the table maintains stable, reliable positioning at each stop while preserving the ability to rotate between multiple positions for adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam slots are designed with predetermined geometric profiles that guide the pivot pins into specific locked positions during rotation. This pre-designed path ensures that the table naturally settles into stable, reliable stopping positions before use, providing beforehand positioning that enhances both adaptability and locking reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a support structure, a base supported on the support structure, a table supported on the base and movable relative to the base, and first and second arcuate cam slots provided on one of the base and the table. The vehicle also includes first and second pivot pins provided on the other of the base and the table and operatively coupled to the first and second arcuate cam slots and a locking mechanism configured to lock one of the pivot pins in a position to prevent one pivot pin from sliding within the arcuate cam slots and to allow the one pivot pin to rotate while the other of the first and second pivot pins slides within the corresponding arcuate cam slot to rotate the table to a use position.