Retractable table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable table assemblies in vehicles require awkward pulling motions to deploy and often result in small table sizes due to space constraints, with existing solutions being costly, complex, and heavy when motorized.
Innovation Solution
A retractable table assembly with resiliently biased arms and a push-push latch mechanism, featuring a secondary link to maintain the tabletop's relative disposition to the housing, allowing for automatic deployment and a larger, expandable surface area without gaps, suitable for luxury vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable table assembly uses manual pulling motion to deploy from a confined space, then the table can be deployed from a small armrest housing, but the operation becomes awkward and difficult especially when holding items
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing mechanism automatically urges the table top towards its deployed position, eliminating the need for manual pulling. When the retaining mechanism is released, the resilient force self-activates the deployment process, making the system serve itself rather than requiring user effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to pull the table outward against resistance, the design inverts the force direction by using a resilient mechanism that pushes the table outward. The force application is reversed from user-pulling to mechanism-pushing, fundamentally changing the interaction mode.
2Area of moving object
If the table is designed to retract into a small space between seats, then the assembly fits within vehicle constraints, but the usable surface area becomes quite small
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel extends laterally outward from the central housing, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than only the longitudinal dimension. This allows the table to achieve greater surface area by spreading sideways into the available space between seats, effectively using the width dimension to compensate for limited length.
Solution Approach 2:
The table top is designed to rotate and extend dynamically from the compact housing. The resilient biasing mechanism enables the table to transition from a retracted state to an extended state, providing variable surface area that can be deployed when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
3Ease of operation
If motorized systems are used to eliminate manual pulling, then ease of operation improves, but the system becomes costly, complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient biasing mechanism uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (springs or elastic elements) instead of expensive motorized systems. While resilient mechanisms have limited cycles compared to motors, they provide sufficient durability for typical automotive table usage while being much lighter and cheaper.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient mechanism automatically provides the deployment force without requiring external power sources, control systems, or heavy motors. The system uses stored elastic energy to self-activate deployment, eliminating the need for electrical motors, batteries, and control electronics that would add weight and cost.
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
The solution simplifies deployment by eliminating the need for manual pulling, provides a larger usable surface area, and enhances the ergonomic and aesthetic appeal of the table assembly, making it more intuitive and suitable for luxury vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the arm is resiliently biased towards the deployed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A retractable table assembly (5) for an automobile has a housing (6) located between the rear seats (2,3). Two tabletops (17a, 17b) are stowed in the housing and deployed on rotatable arms (12a, 12b). The arms are resiliently biased to the deployment position and when stowed, the tabletops are kept in place by push-push latches. A secondary link (16) between the tabletops and the pivot-point of the arms is provided, which maintains the relative disposition of the tabletop in relation to the housing during deployment. The tabletops can be deployed side-by-side so as to provide an expanded surface for working on.