Table arrangement for an aircraft and passenger cabin area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table arrangements in passenger cabins, such as those in aircraft, do not efficiently utilize space when not in use and lack a dedicated workstation for crew members, necessitating a design that is both space-saving and functional.
Innovation Solution
A table arrangement with a first table element pivotable relative to a mounting element and a second table element rotatable relative to the first, allowing for a compact stowed position and an expanded workstation configuration, featuring adjustable friction elements and locking mechanisms for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a table arrangement is designed to provide a usable workstation for crew members, then the workspace area is improved, but the space occupied when stowed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table arrangement is divided into a first table element and a second table element that can be independently positioned. The first table element is pivotable between stowed and use positions, while the second table element is rotatable relative to the first. This segmentation allows the workspace to be expanded when needed while maintaining a compact stowed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first table element pivots about a first pivot axis that is offset from the mounting element, allowing movement from a stowed position (parallel to mounting plane) to a use position (perpendicular to mounting plane). The second table element adds rotation capability about a second pivot axis, enabling workspace expansion in a different dimensional orientation. This multi-dimensional movement resolves the contradiction between workspace area and stowed volume.
2Volume of moving object
If a folding table design is used to save space, then the stowed volume is reduced, but the workspace area and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The table arrangement employs dynamic positioning mechanisms where the first table element is pivotable and the second table element is rotatable. This dynamic design allows the table to transform from a compact stowed configuration to an expanded workspace configuration, providing both space-saving storage and adequate workspace area when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second table element can be positioned to overlap with the first table element in the stowed configuration, creating a nested appearance that minimizes stowed volume. When in use, the second table element can be rotated to extend the workspace area, effectively nesting the table elements when not in use while providing expanded functionality when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If table elements are made movable to provide flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability during use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The table elements are designed with preliminary positioning capabilities where the first table element can be pivoted to a predetermined use position and the second table element can be rotated to a predetermined orientation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the table is set up for use, it achieves a stable and functional configuration before any work begins.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
A table arrangement (10) comprises a mounting element (12), which can be fastened to a fastening structure element (102) and defines a mounting plane (E). The table arrangement (10) further comprises a first table element (20) connected to the mounting element (12), wherein the first table element (20) is pivotable relative to the mounting element (12) about a first pivot axis (S1) between a stowage position, in which the first table element (20) extends substantially parallel to the mounting plane (E) defined by the mounting element (12), and a position of use, in which the first table element (20) extends substantially perpendicular to the mounting plane (E) defined by the mounting element (12). Finally, the table arrangement (10) comprises a second table element (22) connected to the first table element (20), wherein the second table element (22) is arranged substantially parallel to the first table element (20) and is rotatable relative to the first table element (20) about a rotation axis (D) arranged parallel to the mounting plane (E) in the position of use.