Vehicular Foldaway Table Support with Resilient Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for foldaway tables in vehicle cabins fail to effectively limit vibrations while maintaining stability and aesthetics, as they need to be both robust and concealed when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A support system featuring a tubular design with a resilient material lining and an openable lid mechanism that allows for easy engagement and concealment of the table, with a flared end to simplify centering and internal rubber covering to absorb vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support system uses a rigid structure to ensure stability and robust connection, then the table is firmly supported, but vibrations are transmitted to the table
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient material (rubber or plastic) is introduced as an intermediary between the rigid tubular support and the table arm. This intermediary absorbs vibrations while maintaining structural stability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system combines rigid materials (metal or plastic tube) with resilient materials (rubber or plastic lining). This composite structure provides both the stability needed for firm support and the vibration-damping properties needed to reduce harmful transmissions.
2Ease of operation
If the support seat is made visible and accessible, then the table can be easily engaged, but aesthetics are compromised when the table is stored
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate functional segments: the structural support component (tubular support) and the aesthetic cover component (lid). This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function while the lid conceals the support structure when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be movable (openable and closable) rather than fixed. It dynamically transitions between open and closed states based on whether the table is in use or stored, allowing easy engagement when open and aesthetic concealment when closed.
3Volume of stationary object
If the second end of the tubular support is placed close to the stud, then the structure is compact, but the lid cannot open freely
Solution Approach 1:
The design moves the conflict from a two-dimensional plane to three-dimensional space by allowing the lid to rotate open in an arc that clears the tubular support. The flared end of the tube creates vertical clearance, enabling the lid to open freely without requiring excessive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning where the lid can occupy different spatial positions (closed against the tube, or open in an arc). The flared end of the tubular support creates a dynamic clearance zone that accommodates the lid's movement without requiring the entire system to be expanded.
4Ease of operation
If the flared end design is used to simplify engagement, then centering is easier, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flared end introduces a curved geometric feature to the tubular support. This curvature simplifies the centering operation during table engagement by providing a self-aligning feature, though it does increase manufacturing complexity compared to a straight cylindrical tube.
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 stable and vibration-reduced support for foldaway tables while ensuring the components are aesthetically concealed when not in use, enhancing the overall functionality and appearance of industrial and commercial vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular support may also be internally covered with a resilient material, in order to limit the vibrations transmitted from the vehicle to the foldaway table
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Support system of a vehicular foldaway table (T), in particular for industrial and commercial vehicle, the vehicle having a cabin comprising a rigid body internally covered by a covering (D); the covering (D) having a visible surface (D2) and an internal surface (D2) facing said rigid body (B), and at least a through opening (O) between said surfaces (D1, D2). The support system comprises at least - a stud (1) suitable to be fixed on the visible surface (D1) in order to surround the through opening (O) and comprising an openable lid (2) hinged to the stud (1) in order to obstruct the through opening (O) and - a respective hollow tubular support (3) with two opposite ends (31, 32) and arranged inside the covering (D), with a first end (31) suitable to be fixed to the rigid body and a second end (32) facing said through opening (O) .