Multi-Position Tray Table Deployable From Instrument Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tray tables lack versatility and compactness, as they are often fixed in position and occupy valuable space within the instrument panel, limiting their use between driver and passenger.
Innovation Solution
A tray table that can be moved in a longitudinal and lateral direction, and rotated about a vertical axis, allowing it to be stowed within the instrument panel and deployed into multiple use positions between the driver and passenger, with manual or powered operation, including a flat surface suitable for laptops and tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is fixed in position, then it occupies stable space within the instrument panel, but it lacks versatility and cannot be shared between driver and passenger
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to move longitudinally, laterally, and rotate about a vertical axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables the table to be shared between driver and passenger while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table serves multiple functions by being accessible to both driver and passenger through its multi-positional design. It can be positioned centrally for sharing, extended for individual use, or retracted for storage, making it a universal solution for both front seat occupants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is deployed into multiple use positions, then it enhances versatility and shareability, but it occupies more space within the instrument panel
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table mechanism is nested within the instrument panel structure, with the table able to retract completely into the panel when not in use. The movement mechanisms are integrated into the panel housing, minimizing the space required while still allowing full deployment to multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table utilizes three-dimensional movement including longitudinal extension, lateral adjustment, and vertical rotation. This multi-dimensional positioning allows the table to access multiple use positions while maintaining a compact footprint when retracted, effectively using space in multiple directions rather than requiring large horizontal area.
3Volume of stationary object
If the tray table is made compact for storage, then it saves space within the instrument panel, but it limits the usable surface area when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table employs dynamic extension mechanisms that allow it to transition from a compact retracted state to an extended deployed state. The table surface area increases significantly when extended, providing ample usable space while maintaining a small storage footprint within the instrument panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table structure is segmented into movable and fixed portions, with the table surface capable of extending outward from the panel. This segmentation allows the table to have a small retracted profile while providing a large extended surface area for use, effectively separating the storage and usage states.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a table that is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The table extends behind an external surface of an instrument panel such that the table is stored within an instrument panel structure when in the stowed position. When in the deployed position, the table is moveable between a plurality of use positions between a driver and a passenger.