Vehicle Seat Table Linkage for Intuitive Stow and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-seat tables for vehicles, particularly aircraft, are overly complex and inconvenient to deploy and stow, often interfering with passenger access and egress due to rigid mechanisms and limited space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A table apparatus with a linkage mechanism that allows smooth translational movement between stowed and deployed configurations, maintaining the table's orientation parallel to its final position, and enabling independent rotation for improved access, using a combination of pivot axes, guide links, gears, or pulley systems to facilitate intuitive and space-efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bi-fold or single leaf tables with parallel slides and hinges are used, then the table can be stored in an upright position within the console, but the multiplicity of translational and rotational movements overcomplicates the assembly and reduces intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The table is divided into multiple leaves that can be independently positioned, with each leaf connected through a simplified linkage mechanism rather than complex parallel slides and hinges. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while reducing overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using conventional parallel slides that require two-point support for smooth movement, the invention inverts the approach by using a linkage mechanism with pivot axes that naturally guides the table through its movement arc, eliminating the need for complex translational guides.
2Reliability
If rigid mechanisms are used for table deployment, then the table can be securely positioned, but the mechanisms interfere with passenger access and egress
Solution Approach 1:
The table support mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic linkage system with multiple pivot axes. This allows the table to move through a controlled arc and be positioned flexibly, reducing interference with passenger access while maintaining secure positioning when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the movement parameter from linear translation to rotational arc movement. This parameter change allows the table to clear the console area more effectively during deployment and stowage, improving passenger access while maintaining reliable positioning through the linkage geometry.
3Volume of moving object
If the table is stored in an upright position within the console, then space is utilized, but storage problems occur when space within the console is limited or when access beneath the console is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The table deployment movement is changed from a two-dimensional planar translation to a three-dimensional arc movement. This dimensional change allows the table to clear the console area and move above the passenger's head during deployment, eliminating interference with leg access while maintaining compact storage within the console volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A table apparatus for a vehicle seat comprising a table, having at least one table leaf, and a table support mechanism, wherein the table support mechanism enables translational movement of the table between a substantially horizontal stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage arrangement of the table support mechanism comprises at least one substantially horizontally extending support arm extending from a table support member, the table being mounted upon a distal end of the support arm, the support arm being pivotally connected to the table support member for rotation about a first pivot axis in a substantially horizontal plane about the support member, the table being pivotally connected to said distal end of the support arm for rotation about a second pivot axis in a substantially horizontal plane, linkage means being provided for normally constraining rotational movement of the table about the second pivot axis to follow rotational movement of the support arm about the first pivot axis such that the rearmost table face remains substantially aligned to the user such that the table orientation is maintained substantially parallel to its final deployed position during movement between said stowed and deployed configurations.