Multi-place dining table for a vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cabin space is limited, making it challenging to provide a dining table that can accommodate multiple people without consuming significant cabin space during non-mealtimes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-place dining table system comprising three interlocking table sections that can be assembled and disassembled to minimize space usage, including a four-place table, a two-place table integrated with an ottoman, and a removable leaf that expands to form a six-place dining table when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-place dining table is provided to accommodate multiple passengers during meals, then the dining capacity is improved, but the cabin space consumption increases significantly during non-mealtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The dining table is divided into multiple separable sections (first table section, second table section, and removable leaf) that can be assembled together when needed and separated when not in use. This allows the table to provide multi-place dining capacity when required while minimizing space occupation during non-mealtimes by storing sections separately or in compact configurations.
2Strength
If the table sections are designed to be interlocking for stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table sections are designed with complementary interlocking features where the first table section, second table section, and removable leaf can be joined together through standardized connection mechanisms. This merging approach provides structural strength when assembled while maintaining relative simplicity through consistent design patterns across all sections, reducing the overall complexity compared to custom-fit designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicles and multi-place dining tables for vehicles are provided. In one example, the vehicle includes a vehicle structure having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a floor disposed therebetween. The vehicle structure at least partially surround an interior area that has an aisleway extending therethrough. A multi-place dining table is disposed in the interior area and includes a first table section that is disposed between the first sidewall and the aisleway. The first table section includes a first tabletop. A second table section is disposed between the second sidewall and the aisleway and includes a second tabletop. The second tabletop is movable between a stowed position where the first and second tabletops are spaced apart from each other by at least the aisleway and a deployed position where the second tabletop extends across the aisleway and is coupled to the first tabletop.