Retractable Screen Support With Segmented Pivot Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin screens and supporting devices face challenges in being retracted during critical flight phases, particularly due to space constraints in the side ledge, where screens and their supports must be stored, and passengers lack convenient support for their tablets, leading to discomfort and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A retractable support system with a movable arm comprising multiple rigid segments that pivot between compact and extended configurations, allowing the arm and screen to be stored within a reduced space, and a housing design that accommodates both the screen and arm in a compact form, enabling efficient storage and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the arm is designed as a single rigid structure for supporting the screen, then the supporting strength is sufficient, but the space required for retraction is too large
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into multiple rigid segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) connected by pivot joints. Each segment can be independently positioned, allowing the arm to fold into a compact configuration during retraction while maintaining structural strength when deployed to support the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The second segment is fitted into a recess of the first segment when the arm is in compact configuration, and the third segment is fitted into a recess of the second segment. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied by the arm during retraction while preserving the full extending capability when deployed.
2Volume of stationary object
If the housing volume is reduced to fit space constraints, then the space efficiency improves, but the ability to store both arm and screen is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into distinct receiving spaces: a first receiving space for the screen and a second receiving space for the arm. This segmentation allows each component to be stored in its designated space, optimizing the use of available volume while maintaining the capability to store both the screen and arm simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm's segmented structure with nested segments allows it to occupy minimal space when retracted. The second segment nests into the first segment's recess, and the third segment nests into the second segment's recess, enabling the entire arm to be stored compactly within the second receiving space of the housing.
3Ease of operation
If the arm is made disassemblable for easy storage, then the storage convenience improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into multiple rigid segments connected by pivot joints with locking mechanisms. These segments remain permanently assembled during normal operation but can be easily separated when storage is required, providing convenience without requiring complete disassembly of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints connecting the rigid segments are designed to be lockable during use to maintain structural integrity, but can be easily unlocked for separation. This dynamic characteristic allows the arm to transition between a stable deployed state and a separable storage state, balancing structural requirements with storage convenience.
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
This solution allows for the minimization of space occupied by the support system, enabling easy storage of both the screen and its support within the aircraft cabin, enhancing passenger comfort and safety by providing a convenient and secure means to use personal tablets during flights.
Implementation Method 1
the second segment pivot relatively to the first segment around a first pivot axis between a compact configuration, wherein the second segment is fitted into a recess of the first segment, and an extended configuration, in which the second segment extends out of said recess
Implementation Method 2
the arm comprises a third rigid segment jointed with the first segment so as to pivot relatively to the first segment around a second pivot axis between a folded-back position, wherein the first and third segments are placed side by side over substantially the whole of their length, and a deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable support for a screen, and interior layout assembly for an aircraft cabin comprising such a support are provided. The retractable support for a screen includes a housing for receiving the screen in a retracted position, and an arm movably mounted relatively to the housing between a retracted position inside the housing and a deployed position outside the housing. The arm includes first and second rigid segments jointed with each other so that the second segment pivots relatively to the first segment around a first pivot axis between a compact configuration, in which the second segment is fitted into a recess of the first segment, and an extended configuration, in which the second segment extends out of said recess.