Pillar-Mounted Deployable Table With Nested Cabin Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a deployable table within the cabin interior of vehicles to provide a work surface for passengers.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table is coupled to a pillar support structure in the vehicle cabin, movable between a stowed and deployed position using a pivoting mechanism, allowing it to extend as a work surface and retract when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable table is provided within the cabin interior, then passenger convenience and utility are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable table is nested within a pocket formed in the pillar trim panel when not in use. The table assembly fits into the pocket space, utilizing the existing pillar structure for storage. This nesting approach allows the table to be readily available when needed while maintaining a clean, uncluttered cabin interior when the table is stowed, thus enhancing convenience without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The table is designed with dynamic deployment capability through a hinge mechanism that allows it to pivot between a stowed position against the pillar and a deployed working position. This dynamic design enables the table to adapt between two states - hidden when not needed and accessible when needed - resolving the contradiction by providing versatility only when required rather than permanently increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable table is provided within the cabin interior, then a functional work surface is available, but the cabin space is reduced when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The table deploys by pivoting outward from the pillar into the cabin space, utilizing the third dimension (depth from the pillar) rather than occupying horizontal floor space or vertical headroom. This dimensional approach allows the work surface to be created without significantly reducing the usable area of the cabin interior, as the table occupies space that would otherwise be structural pillar volume.
3Ease of operation
If the deployable table is stowed within a pocket, then the cabin interior remains uncluttered, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket is integrated directly into the pillar trim panel structure, merging the storage function with the existing aesthetic and structural component. Rather than adding a separate storage mechanism, the trim panel itself is designed to incorporate the pocket, allowing the table to be stowed within the existing trim structure. This merging approach maintains a clean cabin interior while avoiding the need for separate manufacturing processes for additional storage components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a functional work surface within the vehicle cabin that can be easily deployed and stowed, enhancing passenger convenience and utility.
Implementation Method 1
The pivoting support assembly comprises a hinge coupling the deployable table to the pillar support structure
Implementation Method 2
the support structure further comprises a pivot rod operatively coupled to the pillar support structure, wherein the pivot rod rotates the deployable table between extended and folded configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a cabin interior, a pillar support structure at least partially exposed to the cabin interior, and a deployable table operatively coupled to the pillar support structure. The deployable table is movable between a stowed position pivoted against the pillar support structure and a deployed position pivoted vehicle inward within the cabin interior.