Rotating Work Surface Mounting Structure with Switch Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle convenience systems lack efficient and versatile solutions for a work surface that can be easily rotated and adjusted to accommodate various user needs, such as commuting and tradesmen applications, with limited flexibility and comfort in positioning.
Innovation Solution
A convenience assembly featuring a work surface coupled to a support structure via a mounting structure with a switch-actuation assembly that moves between raised and lowered positions, allowing for rotational motion and longitudinal adjustment, and includes ribs on the underside of the work surface for engagement and disengagement with protrusions for stowed positions, enabling flexible positioning and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work surface is made rotatable and adjustable to accommodate various user needs, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the mounting structure and switch-actuation assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing rotation between stowed and deployed positions. The mounting structure enables this dynamic repositioning while the switch-actuation assembly provides controlled movement, transforming a static component into an adaptable one that responds to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate functional components: the structural mounting portion, the switch-actuation assembly, and the work surface itself. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide adjustable positioning without excessive overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the switch-actuation assembly is positioned between the support structure and work surface, then the ease of operation is improved by indicating rotational position, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The switch-actuation assembly is designed to automatically indicate the rotational position of the work surface through its own movement. As the work surface rotates, the actuation assembly moves with it, and the switch automatically detects and indicates the position without requiring separate sensors or complex control systems. The assembly serves both the actuation function and the position indication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch-actuation assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the mechanical actuation for work surface rotation while simultaneously serving as the position indication mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators and position sensors, reducing overall component count despite the added functionality.
3Reliability
If the work surface is designed with ribs for engagement with protrusions, then the reliability of stowed position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire work surface complex, ribs are added only at specific locations where engagement with the protrusions is needed. This local addition of structural features provides reliable stowed position retention without requiring complex reinforcement throughout the entire work surface structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A convenience assembly includes a work surface coupled to a support structure by a mounting structure. A switch protrudes from the support structure toward an underside of the mounting structure. A switch-actuation assembly is positioned between the support structure and the work surface and is movable between raised and lowered positions relative to the switch to indicate a rotational position of the work surface relative to the support structure.