Rotatable Inner Tray Table for Wireless In-Flight Device Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional airplane tray tables are heavy, require complex wiring for power, and lack integrated in-flight entertainment capabilities, leading to high maintenance and fuel costs, as well as an inferior passenger experience.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, self-contained tray table with an internal power system and rotatable inner tray that houses portable electronic devices, providing in-flight entertainment, media distribution, and interactive functions while eliminating the need for external wiring and reducing maintenance through a rechargeable battery and sensor alerts for device presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tray tables are equipped with in-flight entertainment systems and power wiring, then entertainment functionality is provided, but weight increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power system and entertainment functionality from the traditional tray table structure. Instead of integrating power wiring and entertainment systems into the tray table itself, the invention places a portable electronic device (containing its own power source and entertainment capabilities) into a holder mounted on the tray table. This separation eliminates the need for heavy wiring and integrated power systems in the tray table while maintaining full entertainment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a portable electronic device that can serve multiple purposes: providing in-flight entertainment, communicating with onboard servers, and potentially serving as a personal device for passengers. This single universal device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate systems (entertainment system, power system, communication system) to be integrated into the tray table.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traditional tray tables are equipped with power wiring for electronic devices, then power supply is available, but installation cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply capability from the aircraft's fixed wiring system and relocates it to a portable battery within the electronic device. This allows power supply functionality without requiring installation of wiring throughout the aircraft, dramatically reducing installation costs and maintenance requirements while maintaining the ability to power electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device contains its own power source (battery) and can autonomously provide power to itself and potentially to other devices. The device also contains its own entertainment system and communication capabilities, making it self-sufficient and eliminating the need for the aircraft to provide these services through fixed installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables use elaborate mechanisms to ensure entertainment device visibility when stowed, then visibility is maintained, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the entertainment device portable and movable rather than fixed. The electronic device can be positioned by the passenger as needed - visible when the tray table is stowed, and accessible when deployed. This dynamic positioning replaces complex mechanical mechanisms with simple user manipulation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining visibility functionality.
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 results in weight savings, reduced maintenance and fuel costs, enhanced passenger experience through interactive media and communication, and efficient power management via internal batteries and wireless connectivity, while preventing unauthorized device use during critical flight phases.
Implementation Method 1
The tray table may have various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment a tray table for a passenger seat may be provided. In such an embodiment, the tray table may comprise a body having a compartment for a battery, and an inner tray configured to receive and hold a portable electronic device with a display screen.
Implementation Method 2
A sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of the portable electronic device in the inner tray may be included as well.
Implementation Method 3
An opening in the body may be configured to accept the inner tray, which may be rotatably mounted in the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table that provides in-flight entertainment in various forms of media as well as interactivity while being lightweight is disclosed herein. The tray table may provide a removable battery to power an electronic device. This eliminates the need for costly and heavy wiring. The tray table may provide an inner tray that allows the electronic device to be removed for handheld operation. An alert system may be used to prevent theft or unauthorized used by detecting when the electronic device is outside or disconnected from the inner tray.