Console assembly including stowable support surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft flight decks require a console assembly that provides a support surface for aircrew members without obstructing access to the instrument panel and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as side stick controllers occupy space that was previously used by conventional yokes.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly with a recessed mounting system that allows a support surface to retract and deploy, featuring a closeout panel for aesthetic continuity and a quick release mechanism for easy operation, ensuring the surface can be stowed within the console when not in use, thus maintaining unobstructed access to the instrument panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support surface is provided in front of the aircrew member, then the aircrew member has a surface for tasks such as using a tablet computer, completing paperwork, or eating meals, but the aircrew member's ability to access all areas of the instrument panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is designed to be movable between a deployed position (protruding from the console) and a retracted position (flush with the console surface). This dynamic configuration allows the support surface to be available when needed for tasks while being stowed when access to the instrument panel is required, resolving the contradiction between having a support surface and maintaining access to the instrument panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The console assembly is segmented into a fixed console structure and a movable support surface component. The support surface can be independently deployed or retracted, allowing it to function as a separate element that does not permanently obstruct access to the instrument panel. This segmentation enables the support surface to provide functionality without permanently compromising access to other areas.
2Ease of operation
If a support surface is provided in front of the aircrew member, then the aircrew member has a surface for tasks, but the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft interior is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface transitions between deployed and retracted states, allowing it to be available for tasks when needed while maintaining a clean, unbroken console appearance when stowed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between providing functional support surfaces and maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is nested within the console assembly when retracted, with a closeout panel covering the opening to conceal the support surface and mounting mechanisms. This nesting approach allows the support surface to be stored within the existing console structure without permanently altering the aesthetic appearance of the aircraft interior.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable support surface is provided, then access to the instrument panel is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface incorporates a movable mounting mechanism that enables transition between deployed and retracted positions. This dynamic feature provides access to the instrument panel when needed while accepting increased device complexity through the mounting assembly and movement mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A console assembly for use on a flight deck of an aircraft includes, but is not limited to, a console having a recess. The recess has an opening. The console assembly further includes a mounting assembly mounted within the recess. The console assembly further includes a support surface mounted to the mounting assembly. The console assembly further includes a closeout panel that is mounted to the support surface. The support surface fits within the recess. The mounting assembly facilitates movement of the support surface between a retracted and a deployed position. The support surface is disposed within the recess while in the retracted position and outside of the recess while in the deployed position. The closeout panel is disposed at a location on the support surface that causes the closeout panel to close the opening of the recess when the support surface is in the retracted position.