Slide-out tray table with interlock assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide-out tray tables for aircraft are prone to damage due to insufficiently intuitive interlock assemblies that may lead to mishandling, and they are often heavy and complex, increasing maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A slide-out tray table with an interlock assembly that includes a first and second interlock mechanism, operated by a cam system, to prevent unwanted movement and rotation of the table leaf, reducing the likelihood of contact with adjacent structures, and featuring interchangeable components for reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known interlock assemblies are used to restrict movement, then movement restriction is achieved, but user intuitiveness is insufficient and mishandling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly uses color-coded indicators (red/green lights or colored bands) to clearly show the locked and unlocked states. The color changes provide immediate visual feedback to users, making the interlock status highly intuitive and preventing mishandling while maintaining reliable movement restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators as an intermediary between the interlock mechanism and the user. These indicators (lights, colored bands, or visual markers) mediate the communication of interlock status, making the system's state clear and intuitive without adding mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If known interlock assemblies are used to restrict movement, then movement restriction is achieved, but the assembly becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it restricts tray table movement, provides visual status indication, and can serve as a structural integration point. By combining these functions into a single assembly, the patent reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliable movement restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interlock mechanism with visual indicators and structural elements into a unified assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining the essential movement restriction function.
3Reliability
If known interlock assemblies are used to restrict movement, then movement restriction is achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock assembly is designed as a modular, segmented structure where components can be independently accessed and replaced. The visual indicators and mechanical elements are separated into serviceable modules, allowing maintenance personnel to repair or replace only the faulty component rather than the entire assembly, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the interlock assembly with replaceable wear components and visual indicators that can be independently serviced. When components wear or fail, they can be discarded and replaced without affecting the core interlock mechanism, enabling cost-effective maintenance and recovery of functional components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An interlock assembly (106) for a tray table (100) of an aircraft (110, 500) includes a first interlock (142) configured to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by rotation of a table leaf (104) of the tray table (100) from a stowed position toward a deployed position of the table leaf (104). The first interlock (142) is configured to be moved from the locked position of the first interlock (142) to the unlocked position of the first interlock (142) by rotation of the table leaf (104) into the deployed position. The interlock assembly (106) includes a second interlock (144) configured to be moved from an unlocked position of the second interlock (144) to a locked position of the second interlock (144) by rotation of the table leaf (104) into the deployed position.