Rotating Tray Table Locking Cam for Compact Seat Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furniture deployment systems, particularly in aircraft seats, are bulky and operate using translational kinematics, lacking a compact and efficient rotational deployment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A furniture item with a pivot connection, locking finger, cam, and elastic member that allows a movable element to rotate between stored and deployed positions using a push-pull mechanism, featuring a cam with a locking recess and elastic member to bias the locking finger, enabling a compact and robust rotational deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a translational deployment system is used, then the deployment function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional translational deployment approach by implementing a rotational deployment mechanism. Instead of moving the tray table linearly in and out, the system rotates the tray table about a pivot connection, achieving deployment through angular displacement rather than linear translation. This inversion fundamentally changes the kinematic approach while maintaining the push-pull operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic elements including a return spring that automatically returns the tray table to its stowed position after deployment, and a cam mechanism with a locking recess that provides automatic locking during rotation. These dynamic components enable the system to achieve complex deployment functionality without increasing operational complexity for the user.
2Volume of moving object
If existing deployment systems are used, then deployment is achieved, but the system is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The cam mechanism combines the locking function with the rotational guidance, while the return spring integrates the deployment assistance with the retraction function. This merging of functions reduces the overall volume required for the deployment system while maintaining reliable locking through the cam's locking recess that engages with the tray table's cam follower.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the return spring is positioned within the structural framework of the seat, and the cam mechanism is integrated into the tray table assembly itself. This nesting approach minimizes the external volume required for the deployment system while ensuring reliable operation through proper spatial arrangement of components.
3Volume of moving object
If a rotational deployment mechanism is implemented, then compactness is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deployment system into distinct functional modules: a pivot connection for enabling rotation, a cam mechanism for locking and guidance, and a return spring for automatic retraction. Each segment performs a specific function, and together they achieve compact rotational deployment without excessive overall complexity. The segmentation allows for modular design and easier manufacturing.
4Ease of manufacture
If functional shapes are machined on the movable element, then simplicity of implementation is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cam profile and locking recess features directly into the tray table body through machining or molding operations. By integrating these functional shapes into the main movable element rather than using separate components, the implementation becomes simpler and more robust. The manufacturing precision requirements are managed by consolidating features that must work together into a single manufacturing operation or tightly integrated assembly.
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 system provides a compact, robust, and aesthetically pleasing rotational deployment of movable elements, such as tray tables, with a simple and efficient push-pull operation, integrating a return spring for ejection and a limit stop for controlled movement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member for biasing, when it is under tension, the locking finger inside the locking recess when the movable element is in the stored position
Implementation Method 2
said item of furniture comprises a return spring which can be compressed when pressing on the movable element and then decompressed so as to eject the movable element from the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an item of furniture, in particular for an aircraft seat, comprising:a frame,a movable element,a pivot connection for rotating the movable element relative to the frame between a folded position and a deployed position,a locking finger,a cam provided with a locking recess andan elastic member for biasing, when it is under tension, the locking finger inside the locking recess when the movable element is in the folded position,such that pressure on the movable element causes the elastic member to rotate the movable element and release the locking finger from the locking recess to enable the movable element to rotate towards the deployed position in a second direction of rotation.