Non-Linear Table Deployment Mechanism for Confined Seat Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deployment mechanisms for tables in confined spaces, such as aircraft seating, are unsuitable for efficient deployment due to their design limitations in navigating narrow compartments.
Innovation Solution
A non-linear motion slide mechanism comprising a primary and secondary track with a coupling system allowing transverse movement and rotation, enabling smooth deployment and stowage of tables by manipulating the curvature of the path taken by the table, facilitated by rollers and a pin-slot coupling, and integrated into a seat console for aircraft seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional deployment mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the mechanism cannot deploy tables in confined spaces efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism is divided into two independent track systems: a primary track for linear movement and a secondary non-linear track for curved path guidance. The carriage integrates both tracks, allowing it to navigate confined spaces by combining movements from both track systems, thus achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from simple linear deployment to two-dimensional curved path deployment by introducing the secondary non-linear track. This allows the table to follow a curved trajectory around corners, enabling deployment in confined spaces while maintaining manageable structural complexity through the modular track design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-linear tracks are introduced, then deployment in confined spaces is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The primary linear track and secondary non-linear track are merged into a single integrated carriage structure. Both tracks converge at the carriage, which coordinates movements from both systems simultaneously. This merging allows the mechanism to achieve curved path capability while keeping the overall structure manageable through unified design.
3Ease of operation
If multiple carriages on non-parallel tracks are used, then smooth curved movement is achieved, but the coupling mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary track is designed with a non-linear curved geometry that guides the carriage along a smooth arc-like path. This curvature in the track design inherently provides smooth movement transitions, reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms in the coupling system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A deployment mechanism (14) for a seat table has a non-linear motion slide (30) comprising a primary carriage (34) movable back and forth along a primary track (32). A secondary carriage (52) is coupled to the primary carriage and moves with the primary carriage. A secondary non-linear track (60) runs non-parallel with the primary track. The secondary carriage is coupled to the secondary track and is movable back and forth along the secondary track. The coupling between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage allows relative movement between the carriages in a transverse direction and allows relative rotation between the secondary carriage and the primary carriage about a perpendicular axis.