Exit row table for an aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft table designs near emergency exits are inefficient as they do not easily retract, obstructing passenger access during emergencies and failing to adapt to flight modes.
Innovation Solution
A deployable aircraft table with a sensor-activated retraction mechanism that automatically moves to a retracted position when the seat is unoccupied and during specific flight conditions, using a combination of mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic systems to ensure clear access to emergency exits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a table is provided for passenger seats adjacent to emergency exits, then passenger comfort and convenience are improved, but access to the emergency exit may be obstructed during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The table is designed with a deployable/retractable mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between deployed (for passenger use) and retracted (for emergency egress) states. The table surface can be lowered into use position during normal flight and raised to clear position during emergency situations, resolving the contradiction between providing passenger convenience and ensuring emergency access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically retracts the table in advance of potential emergency situations by detecting flight phase conditions (takeoff, landing, turbulence). The table is proactively positioned in the retracted state before an emergency occurs, ensuring that when evacuation is needed, the path is already clear without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If the table is made removable to ensure emergency access, then egress is facilitated, but the table cannot easily be provided to seated passengers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a permanently removable table, the invention employs a dynamically adjustable table mechanism that can be smoothly deployed to and from the passenger's reach area. The table moves along a controlled path between stowed and deployed positions, allowing passengers to easily access it when needed while maintaining automatic retraction capability for emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The table system operates autonomously based on sensor input from seat occupancy detection and flight phase monitoring. When a passenger is detected and the flight conditions are appropriate, the table automatically deploys to the passenger's side without requiring the passenger to manually remove or retrieve it, providing self-service functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the table remains deployed during all flight phases, then passenger convenience is maintained, but safety regulations regarding clear emergency access may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor flight phase conditions (takeoff, landing, turbulence detection) and automatically control table deployment based on this feedback. During critical phases where regulatory compliance is required, the table automatically retracts. During safe phases, the table remains deployed for passenger convenience, thus complying with regulations while maintaining serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The table position parameter is dynamically changed based on flight conditions. The system transitions the table between two discrete states (deployed/retracted) or continuous intermediate positions based on detected parameters such as flight phase, turbulence intensity, and seat occupancy, ensuring regulatory compliance is maintained while maximizing passenger convenience when safe to do so.
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
Enhances passenger safety by ensuring unobstructed access to emergency exits during emergencies and optimizing table deployment based on flight modes, improving safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanism for retracting the table surface to the retracted position... The retraction mechanism may be at least one of a pneumatic damper, a hydraulic damper
Implementation Method 2
a mechanism for retracting the table surface to the retracted position... The retraction mechanism may be at least one of a pneumatic damper, a hydraulic damper
Implementation Method 3
a mechanism for retracting the table surface to the retracted position... The retraction mechanism may be at least one of a pneumatic damper, a hydraulic damper, a spring
Implementation Method 4
the sensor is disposed in the seat and detects if a weight on the seat exceeds a predetermined amount
Data Source
AI summary
A table (30) for an aircraft includes a table surface (56) deployable between a retracted position and a deployed position, an arm (50) having a first end and a second end, the arm (50) supporting the table (66) surface at the first end, a support connected to the arm (50) at the second end, the support connecting the arm to a structure interior to the aircraft, a sensor (136) within the aircraft to detect if a seat adjacent to the table surface is occupied, and a mechanism (120) for retracting the table surface to the retracted position if the sensor (136) detects at least one of that the seat is not occupied and that the aircraft flight mode meets predetermined criteria.