Height adjustable tray table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray tables in aircraft lack the ability to be hidden from view when stowed, and they require secondary mechanisms for independent height and distance adjustments, making them less aesthetically pleasing and less flexible for integration with various seat configurations.
Innovation Solution
A deployable tray table assembly with a rail system, a carriage, and a link mechanism that allows the table to transition between stowed, unlatched, and deployed positions, enabling independent height and distance adjustments without additional slide mechanisms, and includes features like a stabilizer, bifold table, and latching mechanism for secure deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If tray tables are deployed from against the backside of a forward backrest or alongside a passenger seat, then they provide a surface for food and beverages, but they cannot be hidden from view when stowed which reduces aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is designed with dynamic deployment capability, transitioning from a static fixed position to a movable deployable structure. The table can be deployed forward from a retracted position against the backrest to a usable position in front of the passenger, and returned to a stowed position that is hidden from view, providing aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table deployment mechanism utilizes forward-backward motion along the longitudinal axis of the seat rather than traditional side-to-side or upward deployment. This dimensional change allows the table to be positioned against the backrest where it is hidden from the passenger's view, improving aesthetics while still providing access when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables use secondary slide mechanisms for height and distance adjustments, then they provide positioning flexibility, but they increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment and distance adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The tray table is connected to the seat backrest through a combined linkage system that simultaneously controls both the vertical height position and the forward-backward distance position, eliminating the need for separate slide mechanisms for each adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it deploys the tray table forward, adjusts the height position, and controls the distance from the passenger, all through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables are integrated into various seats with differing pitches and distances, then they accommodate different configurations, but they require complex secondary mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table mechanism is designed with dynamic adaptability to accommodate different seat configurations. The integrated linkage system can adjust its geometry and range of motion to match different seat pitches and distances, allowing the same basic mechanism to work across various seat types without requiring complex secondary adjustment mechanisms.
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 tray table assembly provides improved aesthetics by hiding when stowed, offers flexible positioning and adjustable height, and is easily integrated into different seat structures, enhancing user convenience and adaptability, particularly suited for premium class aircraft seats.
Implementation Method 1
a carriage slidably engaging the rail
Implementation Method 2
a link pivotably coupled to the carriage at a first end of the link, and a table hingedly connected to the link at a second end of the link
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table assembly and aircraft passenger seat arrangement including the same, the tray table assembly including a rail, along which a carriage slides, disposed within an alcove, from which a tray table can be deployed via a link connecting the tray table to the carriage. The link provides both the connection between the tray table and carriage for positioning the tray table horizontally along the rail and the pivotable connections between the tray table, link, and carriage for adjusting the tray table vertically, perpendicular to the rail path. Thus, the tray table assembly may be hidden in the alcove in a stowed position, partially deployed with the tray table vertically offset from the carriage, fully deployed with the tray table outside of the alcove, and any position in between.