Passenger Tray Table Supports for Stowable Device Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger tray tables in aircraft do not provide adequate ergonomic support for passengers to view their personal electronic devices during flights.
Innovation Solution
A tray table design with a slidable member and a rotatable member that can be extended to support an electronic device, allowing it to be positioned at a desired viewing angle without requiring the passenger to hold it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tray tables are used without additional supports, then the tray table structure remains simple and compact, but passengers cannot achieve good ergonomics for viewing electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is divided into functional segments: a main body providing the table surface, a first member that slides to support the electronic device bottom, and a second member that rotates to support the device back. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is designed to slide relative to the main body between stowed and extended positions, while the second member can rotate to adjust the viewing angle. These dynamic elements allow the tray table to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the tray table includes fixed electronic device support structures, then passengers can view devices comfortably, but the tray table cannot be properly stowed during take-off or landing
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second members are designed to be movable rather than fixed. The first member slides into a stowed position within the main body, and the second member rotates to a stowed position against the table surface. This allows the tray table to transition between providing device support and being fully stowable for safety periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table serves multiple functions: it provides a table surface for food and drinks, supports electronic devices at adjustable angles for viewing, and can be completely stowed during take-off and landing. The movable members enable this multi-functionality without compromising safety requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table includes movable members for device support, then the tray table can serve dual purposes, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device support function is segmented into two independent movable members: the first member for supporting the device bottom and the second member for supporting the device back. This segmentation allows each member to be simple in design while collectively providing the required functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member uses a simple sliding mechanism along guides in the main body, and the second member uses a rotation mechanism with a pivot point. These dynamic elements add functionality without requiring complex actuation systems, motors, or control mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A tray table for a passenger seat has a main body defining a table surface, and a first member configured to slide relative to the main body between a first position and a second, extended position, wherein in the second, extended position the first member is configured to define a first rest for supporting a first portion of an electronic device, and a second member configured to move relative to the main body between a first, stowed position and a second, extended position, wherein in the second position the second member protrudes upwardly from the table surface of the main body to define a second rest for supporting a second portion of an electronic device, and wherein the first member and the second member, when in their respective second, extended positions, thus cooperate to support and position an electronic device.