Multi-Bar Linkage Tray Table for Compact Premium Seat Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable tray table systems for aircraft are not suitable for premium class seating arrangements, which require more complex and flexible deployment mechanisms due to larger spaces and different structural configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a multi-bar linkage assembly and a linear translation member that allows the tray table to move along an arced path between stowed and deployed positions, providing a compact vertical profile and independent operation, suitable for various premium seating configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hinge mechanism is used to allow multi-axis tray table movement from armrests, then the tray table can be deployed from within armrests, but the device complexity increases and the vertical profile becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism is divided into two independent functional components: a multi-bar linkage assembly that provides arced rotation motion, and a linear translation member that provides fore/aft sliding motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with simpler design, avoiding the need for a single complex multi-axis hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the deployment motion into two distinct dimensional components: rotational motion in the vertical plane (achieved by the multi-bar linkage) and translational motion in the horizontal plane (achieved by the linear translation member). This dimensional separation simplifies the mechanism design compared to a single complex hinge that would need to accommodate both motions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is mounted to deploy from distant structures in premium suites, then larger seating and living spaces can be served, but the deployment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bar linkage assembly with adjustable link lengths and pivot points can accommodate various mounting locations and deployment distances. The same basic mechanism structure can be adapted to different premium suite configurations by adjusting the linkage parameters, providing universal applicability without requiring completely different mechanisms for each installation scenario.
3Length of stationary object
If the tray table uses a multi-bar linkage assembly with linear translation member, then the vertical profile becomes compact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-bar linkage assembly is designed to fold into a compact configuration that nests within or alongside the tray table when in the stowed position. The links and pivots are arranged to minimize the vertical space required, allowing the mechanism to be contained within the bounds of the tray table assembly and achieve a compact vertical profile of approximately 2 inches or less.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table assembly including a tray table movable horizontally along a predetermined path between a stowed position within a stowage module and a deployed position outside of the stowage, a linear translation member adapted to adjust a position of the tray table relative to a passenger seat, and a multi-bar linkage assembly affixed at one end to the tray table and at an opposing end to the linear translation member, the multi-bar linkage assembly comprising a plurality of links arranged to deploy the tray table along the predetermined path between the stowed and deployed positions.