Pivotable Tray Table Support for Secure Portable Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat tray tables are inadequate for accommodating a wide range of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in terms of size and shape, leading to the need for multiple cases and space conflicts with food trays, and existing solutions are not adaptable or secure.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a pivotable support that defines a 'C'-shaped profile, allowing secure positioning and viewing of PEDs while allowing the tray table to be used for other activities, and can be stowed when not in use, eliminating the need for additional cases and ensuring secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mounting location for PEDs is provided on the tray table, then PEDs can be securely held, but space is taken away from the food tray making it more complicated to use for other activities
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be movable between a deployed position (providing PED support) and a stowed position (clearing the tray table surface). This dynamic transformation allows the tray table to serve multiple functions: holding PEDs securely when needed, and providing full surface area for food trays and other activities when the support is stowed.
2Ease of operation
If holders are attached to the backs of passenger seats, then PEDs can be supported, but the holder is not adaptable to a large range of differing sizes and shapes of PEDs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with a receiving area that can accommodate various sizes and shapes of PEDs through its geometric configuration. The support includes contact surfaces and positioning features that adapt to different device dimensions, allowing a single universal holder to secure multiple types of devices including tablets, smartphones, and laptops without requiring multiple specialized holders.
3Ease of operation
If holders are mounted on passenger seats, then PEDs can be held, but when the passenger reclines the seat or moves around, such activities may adversely impact the viewing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The PED support function is extracted from the passenger seat structure and relocated to the tray table assembly. This separation allows the support structure to remain stationary relative to the tray table even when the seat is reclined or moved, ensuring stable PED positioning and consistent viewing experience independent of seat configuration changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If airlines provide a large amount of cases for passengers, then all passengers can have PED support, but this represents additional weight and the need for additional storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the primary food service surface and simultaneously houses an integrated PED support structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate PED cases or holders, allowing airlines to provide PED support coverage for all passengers without adding extra weight or storage requirements, as the support is built into the existing tray table infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tray table assembly includes a table body and a support. The support can include a first end and a second end distal from the first end. The second end of the support can be pivotably attached to the table body. The support can define a receiving area between the first end and the second end.