Deployable Aircraft Table with Sliding Rail and Self-Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deployable tables in aircraft seating arrangements are overly complicated to deploy and stow, hindering rapid ingress/egress and occupying excessive space, especially in premium classes where minimal space is critical.

Innovation Solution

A deployable table assembly with a recessed console, pivotable carriage, and actuation mechanism that transitions between stowed and deployed positions using a spring-loaded ram and linkage system, allowing for rapid deployment and stowage while maintaining stability and preventing lateral movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional deployable tables are used in aircraft seating, then a work surface is provided, but the deployment mechanism is overly complicated and prevents rapid ingress/egress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table assembly is divided into separate functional components: a table top, a carriage for movement, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall deployment mechanism while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the table fold out from the console, the design inverts the approach by having the table slide out on rails and lock into position, reversing the traditional folding mechanism and enabling faster, simpler deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional fold-down tables are used, then space is minimized when stowed, but the tables occupy excessive space in deployed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole spaceVSAvoidtable workspace

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The table utilizes the lateral dimension by sliding out horizontally on rails from the console, rather than folding down vertically. This dimensional change allows the table to provide adequate workspace when deployed while maintaining a compact profile when stowed within the console.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage and table assembly nest within the console when not in use, with the table top sliding into a recessed area. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space occupied by the table in its stowed position while allowing full deployment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Speed

If simple slide-out mechanisms are used, then deployment is rapid, but lateral movement and stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidtable stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is self-actuating through a linkage system that automatically engages the latch when the table reaches its deployed position on the rails. This self-service locking ensures stability without requiring additional manual intervention, maintaining both speed and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the table's position on the rails and the locking latch. This intermediary translates the table's linear movement into automatic engagement of the locking mechanism, ensuring stability while maintaining rapid deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of moving object

If multiple leaves are provided for workspace, then surface area is increased, but mechanism complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkspace areaVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing the number of leaves to increase workspace, the design changes the dimensional parameters of the single table top, allowing it to slide out further on extended rails to provide adequate workspace area without the complexity of multiple movable leaves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and efficient transition between stowed and deployed positions, minimizing space usage while providing a stable work surface, enhancing user accessibility and comfort in aircraft seating.

Implementation Method 1

actuation means operable to move said table assembly from said stowed position towards said deployed position, the actuation means optionally comprising resilient biasing means arranged to urge said table assembly towards said deployed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-loaded mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3205579B1Deployable table

Publication Date: 2020.09.02 THOMPSON AERO SEATING

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AI summary

A seating arrangement (100) comprising at least one seat (103); a console (105) adjacent the at least one seat (103); a deployable table assembly (101); and locking means (113), wherein the table assembly (101) is movable in a longitudinal direction from a stowed position into a deployed position in which it is located on an upper surface of the console (105), and wherein the locking means (113) is operable to releasably engage the table assembly (101) in the deployed position to prevent movement of the table assembly (101) in a lateral direction.