Passenger Seat Table Leveling Assembly for Controlled Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table assemblies for passenger seats often fail to maintain a level surface when deployed, leading to discomfort, and can cause injuries during stowage due to bulky hinges.
Innovation Solution
A table assembly for passenger seats featuring a paddle arm, a table support, and a leveling assembly with a latch and a latch adjuster, allowing the table support to tilt within a controlled range to maintain levelness and prevent injuries during stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the table assembly uses a fixed rigid connection to the passenger seat, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to provide a level surface for the passenger is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable connection mechanism between the table assembly and the passenger seat. The table assembly includes a connection structure with movable components that allow the table to adjust its position and orientation relative to the seat, enabling it to maintain a level surface even when the seat is in different positions or orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both structural strength through the connection mechanism and the ability to provide a level surface through controlled movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the table assembly uses a bulky hinge for attachment, then ease of manufacture is improved, but passenger safety is worsened due to injury risk during stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the connection mechanism into multiple discrete components rather than using a single bulky hinge. The connection structure includes separate elements such as a mounting bracket, connection arms, and fastening mechanisms that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces the overall bulkiness of the hinge assembly, creating a more compact structure that lowers the risk of passenger injury during stowage while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the connection mechanism with movable components that enable controlled movement during stowage operations. Rather than relying on a fixed rigid hinge, the dynamic connection allows the table assembly to move smoothly along defined paths, reducing the risk of sudden movements or pinching hazards that could injure passengers. The dynamic design maintains structural integrity while improving safety.
3Productivity
If the table assembly allows full range of motion for stowage, then productivity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a controlled movement mechanism that allows the table assembly to move through a defined range of motion during stowage while maintaining stability at all positions. The connection structure includes movable components with controlled degrees of freedom, enabling smooth transitions between deployed and stowed positions without compromising stability. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by providing both stowage efficiency and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the beforehand cushioning principle by incorporating features that prepare for and mitigate potential instability during movement. The connection mechanism includes elements designed to maintain stable engagement throughout the stowage trajectory, with provisions for controlled damping or friction that prevent sudden movements or vibrations. This preparatory design ensures stability is maintained before and during the stowage process, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are table assemblies for a passenger seat. The table assemblies may include a paddle arm, a table support, and a leveling assembly. A first end of the paddle arm may include a paddle arm tab extending outwards from the paddle arm. The table support may be pivotably connected to the first end and configured to support a table. The table support may include a top side that defines a latch receiving area. The leveling assembly may include a latch and a latch adjuster. The latch may be pivotably supported on the table support within the latch receiving area. The latch adjuster may selectively engage a first end of the latch and control a tilt angle range of the table support. The latch adjuster may engage the latch at a first tilt angle, and the paddle arm tab may engage the latch at a second tilt angle.