Helical Pivot Tray Table for Space-Saving Seat Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tray table deployment and stowage solutions, particularly those mounted under desks, are undesirable as they consume living space and interfere with seat adjustments, especially in configurations where seats can be adjusted to a horizontal bed position.
Innovation Solution
A tray table that moves between stowed and deployed positions along a motion path combining rotational and vertical motion, with the tray table remaining horizontal through a full range of motion, utilizing a motion path element such as a vertical helical shaft, helical ramp, or helical slot to achieve this, allowing for elevation and angle changes between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray table is mounted under the desk in a conventional manner, then the tray table can be deployed for passenger use, but it consumes living space and interferes with seat adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is moved from a horizontal deployment under the desk to a vertical deployment along the side of the seat. The motion path includes vertical motion combined with rotational motion, allowing the tray table to deploy in the vertical dimension rather than consuming horizontal living space under the desk.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table uses a dynamic motion path that combines vertical and rotational motion through a helical mechanism. This allows the tray table to transition smoothly between stowed and deployed positions while maintaining clearance from the desk and avoiding interference with seat adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the tray table is mounted under the desk, then it can be deployed, but it influences seat adjustment and seat position relative to the desk
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the deployment dimension from horizontal (under desk) to vertical (along seat side), the tray table no longer interferes with the horizontal range of motion required for seat adjustments and seat positioning relative to the desk.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table deployment mechanism is extracted from the desk-mounted configuration and relocated to the seat side mounting. This separation removes the conflict between tray table deployment and seat adjustment operations.
3Ease of operation
If the tray table moves along a rotational motion path, then it can be deployed and stowed, but it may not maintain horizontal position during motion
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism combines vertical motion and rotational motion in a single helical motion path. This combination ensures that as the tray table rotates into its deployed position, it simultaneously maintains the correct vertical orientation and horizontal stability throughout the motion sequence.
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
This solution allows for efficient deployment and stowage of the tray table without consuming passenger space, maintaining the tray table's horizontal position and enabling seamless transitions between stowed and deployed states, enhancing passenger convenience and seat functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical helical shaft positioned in the console, the vertical helical shaft determining at least a portion of the motion path of the tray table
Implementation Method 2
motion of the support arm relative to the vertical helical shaft moves the tray table along the motion path
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table assembly and a passenger seat arrangement including a tray table assembly. The tray table assembly includes a tray table coupled to a motion path element determining a motion path of the tray table between stowed and deployed positions. In embodiments, the motion path element may be implemented as at least one of a helical shaft, helical slot, and helical ramp. The motion path combines rotational and vertical motion such that an angular change of the table caused by rotational movement simultaneously causes an elevation change of the tray table. In some embodiments, the tray table may lower when rotated toward the deployed position and raise when rotated toward the stowed position.