Electrically Driven Stowable Table with Rack and Pinion Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stowable and deployable tables in vehicles face challenges such as difficult manual manipulation, limited adjustment positions, noise, and instability under load in both mechanically and electrically driven systems, particularly in vehicles like automobiles, trains, and aircraft.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rack and pinion gear mechanism with flexible cables or belts, combined with a primary and secondary pivot mechanism, and an operational switch allowing for both automatic and user-adjustable deployment, mitigates these issues by providing a robust, noise-free, and adjustable table deployment system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple mechanical rotation mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users find it difficult to manipulate the table edge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism complexityVSAvoidease of table deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical manipulation system with an electrically driven system. The electric motor automatically rotates the table between stowed and deployed positions without requiring users to manually manipulate the table edge, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mechanism and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If an electrically driven rotation system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to noise and vibration from the gearing mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of table deploymentVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional gear-based electrical drive with a direct-drive electric motor system. This eliminates the gearing mechanism that generates noise and vibration, while maintaining the ease of operation benefit from automated electric control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful gearing mechanism from the electrical drive system, retaining only the essential electric motor function while eliminating the source of noise and vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a mechanically rotatable table with limited positions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as users cannot optimally adjust the table position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism complexityVSAvoidtable position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a continuously adjustable table position system using an electrically driven rotation mechanism. The table can be positioned at any angle between the stowed and fully deployed positions, rather than being limited to discrete positions, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If a traditional electrical drive with gearing mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under excessive load or abuse conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of table deploymentVSAvoidperformance under abuse loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gear-based transmission system with a direct-drive electric motor configuration. This eliminates the gear teeth and meshing components that are vulnerable to damage under excessive load, thereby improving reliability while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a rack and pinion mechanism with inherent mechanical advantage that provides natural load distribution and protection against excessive forces, cushioning the system against abuse loading before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution enables smooth, robust, and adjustable table movement with reduced noise and stress on pivot points, allowing for optimal positioning and reliable operation under varying loads, enhancing user convenience and vehicle usability.

Implementation Method 1

the electric drive comprises a rack and pinion gear mechanism. The rack and pinion gear mechanism may comprise a pinion gear meshed with two parallel racks located on opposite edges of the pinion gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

a simple mechanical rotation, which requires manipulation by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS9834120B2Automatic table deployment

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 BENTLEY MOTORS

AI summary

The invention provides an electrically driven stowable and deployable table mounted on a support structure, wherein the table comprises a switch mechanism operable by a user to select between a first, automatic, operation for stowing and deployment of the table, and a second, user adjustable operation for user adjustment of the deployed position of the table.