Deployable Table Assembly With Protected Device Holder Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable table assemblies for personal electronic devices are not suitable for integration with aircraft seat units, as they tend to become separated and lack protection when not in use, 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 table and holder are moveable between stowed and deployed positions, with the holder being partially covered by the table in the stowed position to prevent damage and exposed in the deployed position for use, allowing for compact deployment and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holder is mounted separately on the support arm, then the holder can be accessed independently, but the holder may become separated from the assembly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is integrated with the deployable table to form a single unified assembly. The table and holder move together as one unit, eliminating the risk of separation while maintaining functional independence through selective deployment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly allows selective deployment where the holder can be deployed independently from the table, or both can be deployed together. This dynamic configuration enables flexible access while maintaining structural integration and preventing separation.
2Ease of operation
If the holder is always exposed, then it is always accessible for use, but the holder is vulnerable to damage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to be selectively deployable, allowing it to be exposed only when needed for use and retracted into the stowed position when not in use. This dynamic state change provides protection during storage while maintaining accessibility during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The table in its stowed position provides preliminary protection to the holder by covering it before any potential damage can occur. This protective covering is automatically in place during storage, preventing dust, scratches, or other damage.
3Ease of operation
If the holder is always exposed, then it is always accessible, but the assembly appears cluttered and unclean when stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The holder transitions between exposed and concealed states based on operational needs. When stowed, the holder is concealed within the compact assembly, presenting a clean, uncluttered appearance. When needed, it can be deployed for access while maintaining an organized aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is nested within the deployable table assembly structure, fitting into the available space efficiently. This nesting arrangement allows the holder to be stored compactly within the table's footprint, maintaining a sleek appearance when not in use.
4Reliability
If a separate support arm is used for the holder, then the holder has dedicated support, but the assembly requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable table serves multiple functions: it provides the primary table surface and simultaneously acts as the support structure for the holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate support arm, reducing component count while maintaining structural integrity and support stability.
Data Source
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.