Deployable Table Assembly With Protected Device Holder Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deployable table assemblies for personal electronic devices are not suitable for integration with aircraft seats, as they tend to become separated and lack protection when stowed, leading to potential damage and an uncluttered appearance.

Innovation Solution

A deployable table assembly with a support arm that integrates a holder for personal electronic devices, where the holder is partially covered by the table in the stowed position and fully exposed in the deployed position, allowing for compact deployment and protection, and featuring a pivotable arm with high-friction surfaces for secure device positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the holder is mounted separately on the support arm, then the holder can be easily accessed, but the holder may become separated from the assembly over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder integrationVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is merged with the deployable table by mounting it on the table surface rather than separately on the support arm. This integration ensures the holder moves with the table as a single unit, preventing separation while maintaining ease of access when the table is deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployable table serves multiple functions: it provides a writing surface and simultaneously serves as the mounting platform for the holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate support arm for the holder, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring integrated movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the holder is exposed when the table is stowed, then the holder is accessible, but the holder is vulnerable to damage and creates a cluttered appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder protectionVSAvoidholder accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder's accessibility is made dynamic rather than static. When the table is stowed, the holder is covered and protected; when the table is deployed, the holder becomes automatically accessible. This dynamic arrangement eliminates the need for separate exposure mechanisms while providing both protection and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table's deployment action preliminarily prepares the holder for use by automatically exposing it. The user performs a single action (deploying the table) that simultaneously provides both the writing surface and access to the holder, eliminating the need for separate exposure actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If the holder is mounted over the coverable region, then the holder is protected when stowed, but the holder requires the table to be deployed for access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestowed appearanceVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is merged with the deployable table assembly, positioned on the table surface over the coverable region. This ensures the holder is automatically protected during stowage and automatically accessible during deployment, eliminating the time loss associated with separate exposure mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3838760B1Deployable table assembly
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 SAFRAN SEATS GB LTD
  • EP3838760B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3838760B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3838760B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The present invention provides a deployable table assembly 10 comprising a deployable table 20, and a support arm 30, the deployable table is moveably mounted to the support arm and moveable between a stowed position 20a and a deployed position 20b, the support arm comprises a coverable region 31 that is covered by the deployable table when the deployable table is in the stowed position, and not covered by the deployable table when the deployable table is in the deployed position, wherein the deployable table assembly further comprises a holder 40 for a personal electronic device mounted at least partially over the coverable region 31 of the support arm. The present invention also provides a deployable table assembly 10 in which the holder 40 is translatably mounted to the support arm 30 and translatable in relation to the support arm from a first translation position to a second translation position.