Rotating Tray Table Assembly for Low-Space Seat Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable tray tables in passenger seats require significant space for deployment, often interfering with other passengers and cabin comfort, and can be difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a rotating table body, support arm, and linkage that allows the table to deploy within a horizontal plane, minimizing space requirements and interference, featuring a compact folding design and a receptacle to house the components in a stowed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray table is deployed by lifting and rotating from the armrest, then the table can be positioned in front of the passenger, but it requires significant space and interferes with other passengers' comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table deployment mechanism transitions from vertical lifting and rotation to horizontal rotation within a substantially horizontal plane. The table body rotates horizontally from the stowed position in the receptacle to the deployed position in front of the passenger, eliminating the need for vertical space and reducing interference with overhead cabin space and other passengers.
2Ease of operation
If the tray table is deployed by lifting and rotating from the armrest, then the table can be positioned in front of the passenger, but it may interfere with other passengers or parts of the passenger cabin
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the deployment trajectory to a horizontal plane rotation, the tray table moves laterally rather than vertically or diagonally through the cabin space. This dimensional change eliminates interference with overhead bins, adjacent passengers, and cabin structures that would be affected by traditional lifting and rotating deployment methods.
3Ease of operation
If the tray table is deployed by lifting and rotating from the armrest, then the table can be positioned in front of the passenger, but it is difficult for passengers to understand or maneuver into position
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal rotation mechanism provides a more intuitive and easier-to-understand deployment motion for passengers. Rotating the table horizontally within the horizontal plane follows natural human motion patterns and requires less coordination than simultaneous vertical lifting and rotation, making the deployment process easier to understand and maneuver.
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 efficient deployment and stowage of the tray table with minimal space usage, reducing interference with other passengers and cabin components, while providing a stable and accessible work surface.
Implementation Method 1
the table body is configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the support arm, and the support arm and the linkage are configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
the first segment may be rotated away from the second segment so that a work surface of the table body is exposed
Data Source
AI summary
Described are tray table assemblies having a table body, a support arm comprising a first end rotatably coupled to the table body, a linkage comprising a first end rotatably coupled to the table body, and a receptacle, wherein a second end of the support arm and a second end of the linkage are rotatably coupled to the receptacle. The table body may be configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the support arm, and the support arm and the linkage may be configured to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane relative to the receptacle.