Nested Pivoting Table Elements for Tight Seat Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The space between seat arrangements in passenger transport means is often limited, leading to unfolded table elements being perceived as a nuisance, and there is a lack of alternative storage options for smaller items like smartphones and beverages.

Innovation Solution

A table device with a first table element that partially encloses a second, smaller table element, allowing both to pivot together or independently between positions, providing a larger support surface when needed while minimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a table element is unfolded to provide a support surface, then the support function is improved, but the space occupation between seat arrangements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport functionVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table device is divided into two separate table elements: a first table element for general support functions and a second table element for storing smaller items. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific purpose and enables independent displacement, so the second table element can be positioned to minimize space occupation while the first table element provides the main support surface when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second table element is designed to be receivable in the first table element, creating a nested configuration when not in use. This nesting allows the smaller table element to be stored within the larger one, significantly reducing the overall space occupation between seat arrangements while maintaining both support functions when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single table element is used, then the structure is simple, but there is no alternative storage option for smaller items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage optionsVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first table element serves multiple functions: it acts as a support surface for larger items and simultaneously serves as a storage receptacle for the second table element when the latter is not needed. This multi-functionality provides versatile storage options for different item sizes while avoiding the need for completely separate storage structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Both table elements are designed to be displaceable between different positions, with the second table element capable of independent movement relative to the first. This dynamic design allows the elements to be positioned and repositioned based on user needs, providing adaptability for various storage scenarios while using a relatively simple mechanical displacement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12485807B2Table device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 GRAMMER AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a table device, in particular for a seat arrangement in a person transport means comprising a first table element, wherein the first table element at least partially encloses a second table element, wherein the second table element is displaceable both together with the first table element and independently of the first table element between a first position and a second position.