Seat Tablet Pivot Mechanism for Stable Stowage and Ergonomic Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed seats in auditoriums or theaters with movable tablets lack adjustable mechanisms that allow for controlled movement, leading to lateral movement issues when stored, which can cause spacing problems and potential damage, and do not provide ergonomic adjustments in the use position.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a tablet adjustment mechanism that includes a pivot element and a plunger element, allowing for controlled movement of the tablet between stored and use positions, limiting lateral movement when stored, and enabling adjustment in the horizontal use position through a pin and slot system, enabling the tablet to be centered beneath the armrest and pivotable for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tablet is allowed to move freely when in the stored position, then the tablet can be easily accessed and positioned, but lateral movement occurs causing spacing problems and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one, allowing the tablet to be movable during adjustment and then lockable in position. The mechanism includes a movable arm that can pivot and a locking component that engages with a slot to prevent lateral movement when locked, thus providing both ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If the tablet is positioned at an outer side of the leg when stored, then lateral movement is reduced, but spacing between adjacent seats must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the tablet laterally at an outer side of the leg, the invention positions the tablet in a vertical dimension directly beneath the armrest when in the stored position. This vertical stacking arrangement eliminates the need for lateral clearance, allowing adjacent seats to be placed closer together while maintaining tablet stability through the locking mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tablet is fixed in position when in use, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic adjustment is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable arm that can pivot, a plunger that can extend and retract, and a locking component that engages with a slot. These components work together to allow the tablet to be adjusted to different positions and angles, providing ergonomic adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tablet adjustment mechanism is provided to control the movement of a tablet of a seat assembly between a lowered non-use or stowed position under the armrest and a raised or use position, and further control the tablet's movement between an inward use position and an outward use position. The adjustment mechanism includes a plunger inside of a pivot element, the plunger's longitudinal and rotational or pivotal movements being controlled by a pin engaging a slot in the plunger, and also by a guide pin traversing an arcuate slot in a tablet support arm. The adjustment mechanism may limit lateral or sideward movement of the tablet when the tablet is in its fully lowered or stowed position and during at least some of the pivotal movement toward its raised position.