Rotatable Tray Table Insert for Secure In-Flight Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional airplane tray tables are outdated and lack the ability to securely hold and power electronic devices, limiting in-flight entertainment and communication options while being heavy and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight tray table with a rotatable inner tray and adjustable retention assembly that securely holds electronic devices, provides power and data connections, and includes a biasing mechanism to ensure the device is properly positioned, allowing for wireless communication and interactive media usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional airplane tray tables are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to securely hold and power electronic devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is designed with multiple functions: it serves as a traditional food/drink tray while also providing channels to securely hold electronic devices, ports for power and data connections, and a rotatable inner tray for viewing entertainment content. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling electronic device support without requiring a completely new system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tray is rotatably mounted within the main tray table body, allowing it to rotate between a stowed position (nested within the body) and a deployed position (extending outward). This nesting approach maintains a compact form factor when not in use while providing full functionality when needed, balancing adaptability with structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wiring and power systems are added to support electronic devices, then device power and data connectivity are enabled, but weight and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power and data connection systems are integrated into the tray table structure itself, with ports and wiring embedded within the tray body. This extraction of necessary functions from external sources (separate power systems) and integration into the existing tray structure enables electronic device support while minimizing additional weight compared to completely separate systems.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable inner tray is added to the tray table, then electronic device viewing angles are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable inner tray is nested within the main tray table body, with a simplified mounting structure that allows rotation without requiring complex mechanisms. The inner tray can rotate to provide optimal viewing angles for electronic devices while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If channels and retention assemblies are added to secure electronic devices, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table features channels and retention assemblies specifically positioned where electronic devices need to be secured, rather than a uniform complex structure throughout. The channels are formed directly in the tray body at appropriate locations, providing localized security where needed while maintaining simplicity in other areas, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
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
Enhances passenger experience through secure electronic device mounting, reduces maintenance and fuel costs by eliminating the need for additional wiring and printed materials, and provides a more efficient and enjoyable in-flight entertainment system.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing mechanism may be included to pull the stop in a predefined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes an inner tray secures the electronic device for use. One or more channels at the inner tray receive at least a first portion of the electronic device, while a movable stop helps ensure the electronic device is secured to the inner tray. The inner tray is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.