Folding Tray Table with Integrated PED Support for Hands-Free Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tray tables lack a secure mounting structure for portable electronic devices, making it difficult to use them hands-free during travel, especially in vehicles like airplanes, where devices may fall or obstruct other passengers.
Innovation Solution
A personal entertainment device (PED) support member is integrated into the tray table, allowing for adjustable viewing angles, secure retention, and deployment in both folded and open configurations, with features like frictional non-skid surfaces and lateral movement, enabling hands-free use for multiple passengers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a PED support member is added to the tray table, then secure retention and hands-free viewing are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PED support member is integrated into the tray table structure, merging the function of holding electronic devices with the existing tray table. The support member includes a receptacle that receives the PED and a support surface that engages the device, creating a combined structure that provides secure retention without requiring a separate mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table is designed to serve multiple functions: it can hold meals and beverages on its main surface, and simultaneously support personal electronic devices on the PED support member. The support member can accommodate various types of devices (tablets, smartphones, e-readers) and can be positioned at different angles, making it a universal solution for different device types and user needs.
2Ease of operation
If the PED support member is made adjustable for viewing angles, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PED support member is designed with movable components that allow the support surface to be adjusted to different angles and positions. The receptacle can accommodate devices at various orientations, and the support surface can be tilted or rotated to provide optimal viewing angles for different users and device types, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is designed to accommodate both folded and open configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PED support member is designed to function in both folded and open tray table configurations. When the tray table is folded, the support member can still hold devices securely; when the tray table is opened for meal service, the support member remains functional. This universal design allows the same structure to serve multiple operational states of the tray table without requiring separate mechanisms for each configuration.
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 PED support member enhances travel experiences by providing a secure, adjustable, and hands-free viewing solution for PEDs, promoting productivity and convenience during flights without interrupting meal service.
Implementation Method 1
The PED support member may include a frictionally-retaining non-skid surface, and may allow lateral PED movement.
Data Source
AI summary
In an illustrative embodiment, a two-piece folding tray table includes a personal electronic device (PED) support member connected to a tray section such that, in a stowed position, the PED support member is substantially flush with the tray table. The PED support member may be deployable in both a folded tray table configuration and a side-by-side tray table configuration to support a personal electronic device at a substantially identical angle regardless of tray table use mode.