Foldable Table Assembly with Dual-Axis Hinge for Inclined Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable tables in passenger vehicles are not versatile enough to accommodate the use of tablets and books at comfortable reading angles, as they typically only offer a horizontal and folded configuration, lacking intermediate positions that support devices at higher angles.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table hinged to a vertical surface, allowing three stable positions: folded against the surface, open with its face upwards, and inclined to support tablets or books at a higher position, featuring a couple of arms with rotation axes and lock mechanisms to secure these positions, and a concave design to prevent objects from sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the table is hinged to the backrest with a single horizontal rotation axis, then the table can be folded against the backrest to maximize legroom, but the table cannot assume intermediate inclined positions suitable for supporting tablets or books at comfortable reading angles
Solution Approach 1:
The table is hinged to the backrest through a two-stage rotation mechanism comprising a first rotation axis substantially horizontal when the table is in the folded position, and a second rotation axis substantially vertical when the table is in the horizontal position. The table can rotate about the first axis to assume folded and horizontal positions, and subsequently rotate about the second axis to assume inclined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The table assembly allows the table to assume a folded configuration wherein the table adheres to the backrest, a horizontal configuration wherein the table is substantially horizontal, and one or more inclined configurations wherein the table is inclined at an angle suitable for reading tablets or books.
2Ease of operation
If the table is designed with a fixed horizontal position only, then the hinge mechanism remains simple, but the table cannot provide comfortable reading angles for tablets and books
Solution Approach 1:
Each arm has a first end hinged to a lateral edge of the table thereby defining a first rotation axis laying substantially parallel with said first face and a second end hinged to said surface thereby defining a second rotation axis laying substantially parallel with said surface
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table edge is provided with through holes and hooks are added to the backrest, then the table can be suspended at higher inclined positions for better reading, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
said first edge being provided also with at least one through hole and said surface being provided with at least a corresponding hook arranged over said lock means with said second rotation axis arranged between said first lock means and said hook, the hook being positioned so as the table can be suspended to said hook by rotating over said first and second axis and assuming a third stable position with a vertical position higher than in said second position
Data Source
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AI summary
Foldable table assembly for a passenger vehicle comprising a table (T), a surface substantially vertical (SF) and connecting means (A, AS, T; A, AS, T, LM; A, AS, T, HW, HK) connecting said table to said surface, wherein said connecting means are such that the table can assume a first stable folded position in which a first face (T1) of the table adheres to said surface, a second stable position in which said first face (T1) is oriented upwards at a first vertical position, and a third stable position in which the table is inclined with respect said surface at a second vertical position equal or higher than said first vertical position.