Deployable table assembly
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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 from the seat unit 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, using a pivotable arm with high friction material and retaining edges to securely position the device, allowing for adjustable angles and lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holder is mounted on the support arm and exposed when the table is stowed, then the holder is accessible for use, but the holder is vulnerable to damage and creates a cluttered appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is dynamically positioned relative to the table - exposed when the table is deployed and covered when the table is stowed. This dynamic configuration allows the holder to be accessible during use while protected during storage, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from damage.
2Ease of operation
If the holder is mounted on the support arm and exposed when the table is stowed, then the holder is accessible for use, but the assembly appearance is cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The holder's position changes dynamically with the table deployment state. When the table is stowed, the holder is covered by the table, presenting a clean, uncluttered appearance. When the table is deployed, the holder becomes accessible for use. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between accessibility and aesthetic appearance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder is mounted separately from the support arm, then the holder can be independently positioned, but the holder may become separated from the seat unit
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is merged with the support arm assembly, forming an integrated unit that moves together. This combination ensures the holder remains reliably attached to the seat unit while still allowing flexible positioning through the support arm's movement capabilities, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm serves multiple functions - it supports both the table and the holder, and provides positioning flexibility for both components. This multi-functionality allows the holder to be reliably integrated into the seat unit while maintaining positioning adaptability through the universal support arm mechanism.
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
The solution provides a secure, integrated, and protected holder for personal electronic devices, preventing separation from the seat unit, protecting the device during stowage, and maintaining a clean appearance, while allowing for versatile use and viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
the deployable table is moveably mounted to the support arm and is moveable in relation to the support arm between a stowed position and a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The first support surface may comprise a high friction material to prevent sliding of the electronic device on the first support surface
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 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.