Electric Folding Table Spindle Drive for Reduced Space and Weight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding table arrangements in vehicles face challenges with complex drive devices that require large installation space, high weight, and complexity, making them difficult to operate and prone to user errors, while also needing improvements in flexibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A folding table arrangement with a spindle drive device mounted on the support arm, allowing for motorized pivoting of the table top assembly without user force, combined with a worm gear motor for the support arm, enabling easy setup and stowage, and optional manual operation for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a complex drive device is used for the folding table arrangement, then the table can be automatically operated, but the installation space requirement, weight, and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operationVSAvoiddrive device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive device is segmented into modular components: a motor unit, a transmission unit with gear mechanism, and a pivot connection unit. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining automation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive device utilizes the radial dimension by mounting the motor and transmission components in a compact circular arrangement around the pivot axis, rather than extending linearly. This dimensional reorganization reduces the installation space footprint while preserving all necessary mechanical functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If a large drive device is used to provide sufficient torque for pivoting, then the pivoting can be achieved, but the installation space and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting torqueVSAvoiddrive device weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive device replaces a purely mechanical lever system with an electromechanical system combining a compact motor and gear transmission. This substitution achieves high torque output in a smaller, lighter package compared to traditional mechanical advantage systems alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gear transmission mechanism changes the rotational speed and torque parameters through gear ratio multiplication. The motor operates at high speed with moderate torque, while the gear system transforms these parameters to deliver high torque at low speed at the pivot point, achieving the required pivoting force without oversized motor components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the drive device is mounted on the base carrier, then the structure is stable, but the space requirement and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor, transmission housing, and pivot connection are nested in a compact concentric arrangement. The transmission housing contains the gear mechanism which in turn connects to the pivot axis, creating a nested structure that minimizes the overall footprint while maintaining structural integrity and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 simple, robust, and aesthetically pleasing table arrangement with reduced space and weight requirements, ensuring safe, quiet, and easy operation with minimized risk of damage or injury, suitable for vehicle interiors and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

The folding table arrangement (1) comprises a base carrier (2), a support arm assembly (3) coupled to the base carrier (2) and having a support arm (6) which is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis (A)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20260014917A1Electric folding table arrangement for a vehicle interior

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 INTEVA PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A folding table arrangement, including: a base carrier; a support arm assembly coupled to the base carrier and having a support arm which is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis and pivotable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a table top assembly coupled to the support arm and pivotally arranged relative to the support arm about a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis, wherein the table top assembly is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded position, the table top assembly including a holding arm hinged to the support arm and a table top rotatably mounted on the holding arm about a rotational axis different from the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, and wherein the table top assembly is assigned a drive device which has a motor device for driving and controlling the pivoting movement of the table top assembly about the second pivot axis relative to the support arm, wherein the drive device comprises a spindle drive device and the spindle drive device is mounted on the support arm so that it is pivotable together with the support arm.