Seat-Integrated Foldable Table With Scissor Lift and Secure Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable table systems in vehicles and aircraft face challenges in ensuring secure stowage, space efficiency, and comfort when stowed, particularly in high vibrational environments, with a need for improved locking mechanisms and reduced space consumption.
Innovation Solution
A foldable table system with a built-in lifting assembly using a scissor-type mechanism, comprising upper and lower bars with sliding legs, allowing the table to transition between stowed and open states, and featuring releasable locking means to secure the table in both positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple latch or friction-based locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure stowage in high vibrational environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism that adapts to the table's position. The locking system includes movable locking elements that engage with corresponding features on the table surface, automatically securing the table in both raised and lowered positions through mechanical interaction rather than static friction or simple latches
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking elements distributed across the table structure. This segmentation allows each locking element to independently secure different portions of the table, providing redundant security against vibrational forces while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Volume of moving object
If the table is mounted in the front of the seat back, then the space efficiency is improved, but the seat comfort deteriorates due to reduced cushioning space
Solution Approach 1:
The table structure is designed to nest within the seat back structure when in the lowered position. The table bottom surface can be positioned within the seat back's internal cavity or against its rear surface, allowing the table to occupy minimal space during stowage while maintaining full seat cushioning depth for passenger comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The table mounting system utilizes the depth dimension of the seat back rather than consuming lateral or vertical space. By mounting the table in the front of the seat back and allowing it to fold forward, the design exploits the unused depth space behind the cushion, preserving comfort while enabling table functionality
3Device complexity
If the table is provided without a lifting system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in raising and lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is designed to be manually operated by the user through simple mechanical input. The scissor mechanism and linkage system allow a single user action to automatically raise or lower the table through the full range of motion, eliminating the need for motors or complex control systems while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system employs dynamic mechanical advantage through scissor-like linkage that provides increasing mechanical support as the table approaches the raised position. This dynamic characteristic reduces the effort required from the user during operation while ensuring stable positioning at both extremes of the table's range of motion
4Device complexity
If the table is secured only by friction and gravity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates in high motion or vibrational uses
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates dynamically, with locking elements that automatically engage or disengage based on the table's position and the forces acting upon it. The system includes spring-loaded or cam-actuated locking features that respond to vibrational forces and motion, maintaining secure engagement in both raised and lowered positions without requiring complex active control
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system incorporates pre-loaded mechanical elements that anticipate and counteract vibrational forces before they can cause disengagement. Spring elements and pre-tensioned linkages provide continuous securing force, ensuring the table remains locked in position even under high motion or vibrational conditions
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
The system provides a secure, space-efficient, and comfortable solution that remains stable in all positions, ensuring the table does not compromise seat comfort or space, and effectively locks in both stowed and open configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting assembly to which the table is attached, the lifting assembly expandable from a lowered position to a raised position as the table is raised from a stowed state to an open state. The lifting assembly includes an upper bar and a lower bar extending essentially parallel to each other, and a pair of legs each having a first end connected to the upper bar and a second end connected to the lower bar, the legs arranged to cross each other at a point between the upper bar and the lower bar
Implementation Method 2
one of the legs has its first end fixedly connected to the upper bar and its second end slidably connected to the lower bar, and the other of the legs has its first end fixedly connected to the lower bar and its second end slidably connected to the lower bar
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable table system for incorporation in a seat pan, 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, and a table bottom surface (52) extending from the first end to the second end, and a lifting assembly (6) to which the table is attached, the lifting assembly expandable from a lowered position to a raised position as the table is raised from a stowed state to an open state, wherein the lifting assembly comprises: an upper bar (72) and a lower bar (71) extending essentially parallel to each other, the upper bar being attached to the table (5), and a pair of legs (73, 74) each having a first end (73a, 74a) connected to the upper bar (72) and a second end (73b, 74b) connected to the lower bar (71), the legs arranged to cross each other at a point (X) between the upper bar and the lower bar, and wherein one of the legs (73) has its first end fixedly connected to the upper bar (72) and its second end slidably connected to the lower bar, and the other of the legs has its first end fixedly connected to the lower bar and its second end slidably connected to the lower bar, such that as the upper bar is raised relative to the lower bar, the ends of the legs which are slidably connected slide along the respective bar towards the end of the opposite leg that is fixedly connected to that bar in a scissor motion.