Portable electronic device holder for tray tables
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat tray tables are not adaptable to a wide range of portable electronic device sizes and shapes, leading to the need for multiple cases and space conflicts between PEDs and food trays, and existing solutions are not universally compatible with different seat types.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a pivotable support that defines a receiving area between its ends, allowing for secure placement of PEDs while accommodating different sizes and shapes, and can be stowed to free up space for meals or other uses, without requiring additional cases or coupling assemblies.
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 for food trays and other activities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into a base portion that attaches to the tray table and a separate support arm that extends to hold the PED. This segmentation allows the PED support function to be separated from the main tray table surface, providing stable device holding while preserving food tray space.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends vertically from the tray table rather than occupying horizontal surface area. By utilizing the vertical dimension and attaching to the underside or edge of the tray table, the design provides PED support without reducing the usable surface area for food and other items.
2Reliability
If holders are mounted on passenger seat backs, then PEDs can be supported, but adaptability to different PED sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure features an adjustable arm with multiple positioning options and a flexible holding area that can accommodate various PED sizes, shapes, and orientations. This universal design allows a single holder to support smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other devices without requiring multiple specialized holders.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm incorporates movable joints and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow it to adapt its configuration dynamically. Users can reposition the support arm and adjust the holding angle to match different device sizes and user preferences, providing versatility across various PED types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cases are provided for different PED sizes, then all device types can be accommodated, but weight and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple separate cases for different device sizes, the invention implements a single universal holder with adjustable features that can accommodate all PED sizes. This eliminates the need for passengers to carry multiple cases, significantly reducing total weight and storage space requirements while maintaining full adaptability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a fixed support structure is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different PED configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates simple mechanical joints and adjustable components that provide flexibility without requiring complex manufacturing. The movable parts use straightforward hinge mechanisms and positioning features that are easy to manufacture while enabling various device configurations and angles.
Data Source
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.