Deployable Table Assembly with Sliding and Rotating Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft passenger seat tables are limited in their ease of deployment, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, requiring an improved design that is movable between stowed and deployed positions and can be easily integrated within a seat console.
Innovation Solution
A table assembly with a base portion, arm portion, and table portion that is slidably and rotatably movable between retracted and extended positions, featuring a latch mechanism, damper, and carriage system for smooth operation and secure stowage within a seat console recess, allowing for easy deployment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a table is built into the seatback or deployed from a seat console, then passengers can have use of tables, but the tables are difficult to manufacture, assemble, adjust, and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is divided into distinct segments: a base portion attachable to the seat console, an arm portion with longitudinal axis, and a table portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled separately, improving ease of manufacture and assembly while maintaining deployability
Solution Approach 2:
The table portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the arm portion, allowing it to slide between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability provides adjustability while using simple sliding mechanisms that are easy to manufacture and maintain
2Ease of operation
If a table is deployed from within a seat console, then the table can be positioned for use, but the table is difficult to stow within the seat console
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly is designed to nest within the seat console when in the retracted position. The table portion slides along the arm portion and can be fully retracted into the base portion, which is attachable to the seat console. This nesting arrangement simplifies stowage while maintaining ease of deployment through the sliding mechanism
3Area of moving object
If a table surface is unfolded to provide sufficient surface area, then the table can support food, drink or other objects, but the table structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is segmented into the arm portion and table portion, where the table portion can be extended along the longitudinal axis of the arm portion. This segmentation allows the table surface area to be increased by extending the table portion rather than unfolding a complex structure, thereby maintaining simplicity while providing sufficient surface area
Data Source
AI summary
A table assembly movable between stowed and deployed configurations. A base portion is attachable to a surface, and a table portion is moveable between retracted and extended positions. The table portion includes upper and lower surfaces. An arm portion has first and second ends, the first end engaging the base portion and the second end disposed within the table portion. The table portion is slidably moveable along a longitudinal axis of the arm portion between the retracted and extended positions, and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the arm portion between generally vertical and generally horizontal positions when the table portion is in the extended position.