Powered mechanized tray table assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, compact tray table assembly that can automatically deploy from a stowed position in a vehicle seat back to a use position, providing easy access to portable electronic devices while accommodating a wide range of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses without the need for additional cases or coupling assemblies, and allowing secure storage and use of devices during travel.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a support structure coupled to the seat back, featuring a bi-directional, electrically-powered linear actuator subassembly that moves the tray along a non-linear path for deployment and retraction, and a gesture-actuated latching device for secure positioning, along with a container that can hold devices and provide power or data connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tray table is used to support PEDs, then the PEDs can be held or stored, but the tray table must be stowed during certain times during flight and is not positioned at eye level which generates discomfort after prolonged periods of time
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one that can automatically adjust its position. The motorized actuator enables the tray table to move between stowed and deployed positions, and to adjust its height and angle, providing both comfort for PED use and availability for various other uses at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table incorporates a motorized actuator with control circuitry that enables automatic deployment and positioning. The system can self-adjust to the required position without manual intervention, reducing the need for passenger interaction while maintaining versatility and comfort
2Adaptability or versatility
If a groove in the tray table is used to hold PEDs, then the PEDs can be secured, but the design inherently limits the thickness of the PEDs that may be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism transitions from a fixed static groove to a dynamic adjustable support system. The tray table's ability to move and position itself allows it to accommodate PEDs of various thicknesses by adjusting the support surface position, eliminating the need for multiple fixed grooves of different depths
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the tray table support surface to accommodate different PED thicknesses. By varying the height and angle of the tray table through motorized adjustment, the system can adapt to a wide range of PED dimensions without requiring physical changes to the groove structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional cases or coupling assemblies are provided to accommodate different PED sizes and shapes, then the adaptability increases, but the weight and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized tray table system serves multiple functions: it acts as a support surface for PEDs of various sizes and shapes, provides adjustable positioning for comfort, and can be stowed or deployed as needed. This single universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized cases or coupling assemblies, reducing overall weight while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the tray table allows one structure to adapt to multiple PED configurations rather than requiring separate static cases for each size and shape. The motorized positioning system provides universal accommodation through movement and adjustment rather than through additional physical components
4Ease of operation
If a motorized actuator system is implemented for automatic deployment, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator system with control circuitry enables the tray table to deploy and position itself automatically without manual intervention. The system serves itself by sensing the need for deployment and executing the positioning sequence autonomously, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical deployment system is replaced with an electric motorized actuator system controlled by circuitry. This substitution transforms the deployment mechanism from a purely mechanical manual operation to an electrically-driven automatic system, improving ease of use while consolidating control functions
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
Enables cost-effective, space-efficient deployment and secure storage of portable electronic devices, allowing passengers to use them comfortably during travel without the need for additional cases, reducing weight and storage requirements for airlines and passengers.
Implementation Method 1
A bi-directional, electrically-powered linear actuator subassembly is mounted on the support structure and includes a motor-driven screw-drive and a threaded member mounted on the screw-drive to linearly move along a longitudinal axis of the screw-drive upon rotation of the screw-drive
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table assembly capable of automatically deploying from a stowed position in a vehicular seat back towards a use position within a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a support structure adapted to be coupled to the seat back, a tray support and a tray subassembly supported for rotation about a rotational axis by the tray support. A bi-directional, electrically-powered linear actuator subassembly is mounted on the support structure and includes a motor-driven screw-drive and a threaded member mounted on the screw-drive to linearly move along a longitudinal axis of the screw-drive upon rotation of the screw-drive. The threaded member is connected to the tray support to lift the tray support to deploy the tray subassembly along a predetermined non-linear path upon rotation of the screw-drive in a first direction from the stowed position to the use position based on a deployment command signal.