Hinged Cabin Attendant Tray Table for Compact PED Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft tray tables for cabin attendants face space constraints due to their location in aisles, walkways, and galleys, necessitating a reduced footprint while supporting various personal electronic devices and adhering to aviation standards.
Innovation Solution
A cabin attendant aircraft tray table with a hinged design allowing multiple positions, including stowed, PED, and tray configurations, featuring interlocking assemblies and bumpers to maintain a low profile and accommodate different device sizes, and integrates with the seat frame for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is designed with a fixed large surface area to support various PED sizes, then the support capability is improved, but the footprint increases violating space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is divided into a rear section and a front section that can move independently relative to each other through a hinged connection. The front section can be positioned in multiple locations (stowed position against the rear section, PED position extended forward, tray position fully extended), allowing the table to adapt its surface area from compact to extended without increasing the permanent footprint of the rear section.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic variable-size design. The front section is mechanically coupled to the rear section via a hinge assembly with detents, enabling the table to dynamically adjust its configuration between stowed, PED support, and tray positions, thereby adapting to different usage requirements while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is extended to support larger PEDs and trays, then the versatility is improved, but the low profile is compromised increasing the footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is divided into a rear section and a front section that can move independently through a hinged connection. The front section can be positioned in multiple locations (stowed position against the rear section, PED position extended forward, tray position fully extended), allowing the table to adapt its surface area from compact to extended without increasing the permanent footprint of the rear section.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic variable-size design. The front section is mechanically coupled to the rear section via a hinge assembly with detents, enabling the table to dynamically adjust its configuration between stowed, PED support, and tray positions, thereby adapting to different usage requirements while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
3Area of stationary object
If the tray table is made compact to reduce footprint, then space constraints are satisfied, but the support capability for various PED sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front section of the tray table can be nested against the rear section in the stowed position, creating a compact profile that fits within the seat footprint. When needed, the front section can be extended forward to provide additional support surface area for PEDs and trays, effectively nesting the extended functionality within the compact base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic variable-size design. The front section is mechanically coupled to the rear section via a hinge assembly with detents, enabling the table to dynamically adjust its configuration between stowed, PED support, and tray positions, thereby adapting to different usage requirements while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table includes moving parts for multiple positions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table transitions from a static fixed-size design to a dynamic variable-size design. The front section is mechanically coupled to the rear section via a hinge assembly with detents, enabling the table to dynamically adjust its configuration between stowed, PED support, and tray positions, thereby adapting to different usage requirements while maintaining a compact footprint when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly includes detents that automatically engage at specific positions (stowed, PED, tray) to maintain the front section at the desired angle without requiring active control mechanisms. The mechanical interlocking assembly with surfaces that engage to prevent over-actuation provides self-limiting motion, reducing the need for complex control systems while ensuring proper positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A cabin attendant aircraft tray table includes a body, a front section (106) of said body, a rear section (104) of the body, and at least one hinge (108) coupling the front section and the rear section. The front section (106) is configured to actuate relative to the rear section (104) via the at least one hinge (108) between a stowed position, a personal electronic device (PED) position, and a tray position. The cabin attendant aircraft tray table may be stowable in a cavity (320) defined within a frame (308) of a cabin attendant aircraft seat assembly (300) when the front section (106) is in the stowed position. The front section (106) is held in place relative to the rear section (104) via a mechanical assembly when the front section (106) is in the PED position, and may be configured to receive and support a PED when the front section (106) is in the PED position.