Foldable Table Locking System for Vibration-Resistant Seat Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable table systems in vehicles and aircraft face challenges in securing the table in both the stowed and open positions, particularly in high vibrational environments, and often suffer from interference with cushioning and instability due to single pivot points and inadequate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table system with a hinge assembly featuring multiple pivot points and a locking system comprising a lever assembly, side and rear locking pins, and an actuator, which ensures secure locking in both stowed and open positions, using a bias mechanism to prevent undesired opening and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple latch or friction-based locking is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of locking in high vibrational environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking pins (side locking pins and rear locking pins) that can engage with corresponding recesses in the seat back. This segmentation allows each pin to independently secure the table, providing redundant locking points that enhance reliability without requiring a complex interdependent mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pins are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the seat back recesses when the table is placed in the stowed position. This preliminary action ensures the table is locked before any vibrational forces can act on it, eliminating the need for complex active locking mechanisms during operation.
2Device complexity
If a single pivot point is used, then the hinge assembly simplicity is improved, but the stability of the table deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly uses multiple pivot points distributed along the connection between the table and seat back, rather than a single pivot point. This segmentation creates multiple rotational axes that work together to stabilize the table during folding and stowing operations, preventing unwanted movement and improving overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pivot points are arranged in a spatial configuration that adds dimensional stability to the hinge assembly. By distributing pivot points across different locations and orientations, the system creates a more rigid structural relationship between the table and seat back, reducing instability without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the table is designed to be foldable, then the space saving is improved, but the reliability of maintaining position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are pre-loaded with springs that automatically engage them with the seat back recesses when the table reaches the stowed position. This preliminary locking action occurs before any vibrational or motion forces can displace the table, ensuring reliable position maintenance in the compact stowed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system uses spring-loaded pins that can dynamically respond to forces acting on the table. The springs provide continuous force to maintain engagement, allowing the locking mechanism to adapt to varying loads and vibrational conditions while maintaining the table's stowed position reliably.
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable table system for incorporation in a seat back, the system comprising: a table (5) having a first end (51a) and a second end (51b), a table top surface (51) extending from the first end to the second end, a table bottom surface (52) extending from the first end to the second end, and a cavity (510) defined between the table top surface and the bottom surface; a hinge assembly (6) connected by pivot arms (63, 64) to the first end of the table about which the table is pivoted between a stowed position and an open position; and a locking system (10) located within the cavity, the locking system comprising a lever assembly, side locking pins (102) connected to a side locking assembly of the lever assembly, rear locking pins (104) connected to a rear locking assembly of the lever assembly, and an actuator (512) for operation by a user, wherein the locking system is biased to a default state in which the lever assembly drives the side locking pins and the rear locking pins to extend from the table, and wherein operation of the actuator by the user operates the lever assembly to retract the side locking pins and the rear locking pins into the cavity.