Vehicle Seat Table Linkage With Single-Pivot Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional table apparatuses for vehicle seats have complex mechanisms requiring multiple pivot connections, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A table apparatus with a single pivot connection between a carrier structure and a table support linkage, allowing the table to move between stowed and deployed positions through a linear and rotational motion, facilitated by a guide pin and track structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple pivot connections are used in conventional table apparatuses, then the table can move between stowed and deployed positions, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pivot connections into a single pivot connection between the carrier structure and table support linkage. This single pivot connection performs the function of multiple separate pivot connections in conventional designs, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining the table's ability to move between stowed and deployed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pivot connection is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it enables the table to pivot between stowed and deployed positions, provides structural support, and guides the movement path. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pivot connections required in conventional table apparatuses.
2Reliability
If multiple pivot connections are used in conventional table apparatuses, then the table can be supported during deployment, but the manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pivot connections into a single pivot connection that provides adequate support during table deployment. This reduction in the number of connections directly decreases manufacturing time and costs while maintaining the reliability needed to support the table during the deployment process.
3Device complexity
If a single pivot connection is used, then manufacturing is simplified and costs are reduced, but the table movement mechanism must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where the carrier structure moves in a linear direction and the guide pin moves in the guide track to enable the table support linkage to pivot about the single pivot connection. This dynamic interaction between linear motion and guided motion achieves the necessary table deployment functionality with a single pivot connection, simplifying the overall mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin acts as an intermediary element that translates the linear motion of the carrier structure into the rotational motion needed for table deployment. By moving along the guide track, the guide pin enables the single pivot connection to achieve the complex movement required for table deployment without needing multiple pivot connections.
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
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and enhances ease of operation by minimizing the number of connections, making it quicker and more efficient to produce and use.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier structure is movably mounted to the track structure such that the carrier structure moves in a linear direction and the guide pin moves in the guide track when the carrier structure moves in the linear direction so as to pivot the table support linkage
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A table apparatus includes a table device and a table support structure that is connected to the table device. The table support structure includes a carrier structure and a table support linkage. The carrier structure is connected to the table support linkage via a single pivot connection. The table device is pivotable about only the single pivot connection.