Deployable Dining Table Rail Mechanism for Ergonomic Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable tables in aircraft passenger suites require complex mechanisms for compound movement between stowed and deployed positions, often mismatching the ergonomic height of the user, and fail to provide compact stowage conducive for aircraft usage.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table assembly with non-parallel static rails and hinges that rotate and translate vertically and horizontally, allowing the table to move along an elliptical path from a stowed position beneath a static structure to a deployed ergonomic position close to the seat, utilizing stabilizing arms for stability and compact stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a table deploys from beneath a forward static structure, then the table can be positioned closer to the seat for ergonomic use, but complex mechanisms are required to achieve both horizontal movement and vertical height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hinge mechanism itself movable rather than fixed. The hinge travels along a guide rail system, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate both horizontal and vertical table movements. This dynamic hinge replaces complex multi-component mechanisms with a simpler traveling hinge that achieves compound movement through its motion along the guide rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system acts as an intermediary between the static structure and the moving table. It mediates the complex compound movement requirements by providing a constrained path that guides the hinge's travel, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling both horizontal deployment and vertical height adjustment.
2Volume of moving object
If a table is stowed beneath a forward static structure, then compact storage is achieved, but the table cannot be positioned at ergonomic height for dining
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is made dynamic by allowing it to travel along a guide rail. This enables the table to transition from a compact stowed position beneath the static structure to a deployed position at ergonomic dining height. The dynamic hinge travel provides the vertical component of motion needed for height adjustment while maintaining compact stowage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a second dimension of motion by allowing the hinge to travel along a guide rail in addition to the table's folding motion. This extra degree of freedom enables the table to achieve both compact vertical stowage and ergonomic horizontal positioning through compound movement along and perpendicular to the guide rail.
Data Source
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AI summary
A deployable table assembly including a table, first and second non-parallel static rails, and first and second hinges attaching the table to the first and second non-parallel static rails, wherein the first and second hinges configured to travel along the first and second non-parallel static rails to move the table between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein the table when in the deployed position is forward of and vertically lower than the table when in the stowed position.