Spring-Actuated Tray Table Assembly for Automated Seat-Back Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a low-cost, compact tray table assembly that can automatically deploy from a stowed position in a vehicle seat back to a use position within a passenger compartment, providing easy access to portable electronic devices while being adaptable to various sizes and shapes, and eliminating the need for additional cases or storage space.
Innovation Solution
A mechanized tray table assembly with a support structure, a tray subassembly that rotates and includes a lid, an actuator subassembly using stored potential energy, a gesture-actuated latching device, and dampening mechanism, allowing the tray to deploy along a non-linear path without electrical energy consumption, and accommodating electrical power and data connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional tray table is manually deployed from a stowed position in a seat back, then the structure remains simple and low-cost, but the deployment requires manual effort and lacks automation
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table assembly uses a spring-loaded actuator mechanism that automatically deploys the tray from the stowed position when triggered, and automatically retracts it when returned to the neutral position. The system serves itself by using the weight of the tray and spring energy storage to power the deployment and retraction cycles without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism employs an asymmetric linkage design where the deployment path differs from the retraction path. During deployment, the spring-loaded actuator provides mechanical advantage to lift the tray against gravity, while during retraction, the geometry of the linkage allows gravity to assist in returning the tray to the stowed position, reducing the energy required for the return cycle.
2Volume of moving object
If the tray table is designed to be compact when stowed, then storage space is optimized, but the deployment mechanism requires more space or complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table assembly is designed with a nested configuration where the tray subassembly fits within the support structure when in the stowed position. The actuator mechanism is integrated into the existing structural elements, with springs and linkages housed within the hollow chambers of the support structure, maximizing space utilization without adding external bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism uses dynamic geometry where the relative positions and orientations of components change during deployment. The linkage system transitions from a compact nested arrangement in the stowed position to an extended configuration during deployment, allowing the mechanism to achieve both compact storage and functional deployment without requiring additional space.
3Reliability
If the tray table provides secure storage for portable electronic devices, then device safety is improved, but access to devices may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lid of the tray subassembly is equipped with a latch mechanism that automatically engages when the tray is deployed, providing secure storage for electronic devices before the user needs to access them. The latch can be quickly released with a simple action, allowing rapid access when needed while maintaining security during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table is divided into separate functional zones: a secure enclosed storage compartment for portable electronic devices and an open tray surface for other items. This segmentation allows devices to be stored securely in the latched compartment while maintaining easy access to the open tray area, serving different storage needs simultaneously.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the tray table assembly uses stored potential energy for deployment, then electrical energy consumption is eliminated, but the mechanism requires additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism replaces electrical motors, solenoids, or other powered actuation systems with a purely mechanical spring-loaded system. The springs store potential energy during the retraction phase and release it during deployment, eliminating the need for electrical power sources, wiring, and electronic control components while providing reliable actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded actuator operates in periodic cycles of energy storage and release. During each retraction cycle, the springs are compressed or twisted to store potential energy, and during the subsequent deployment cycle, this stored energy is released to power the tray's movement. This periodic energy exchange allows the system to function without external power input.
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
The assembly provides a cost-effective, compact, and adaptable solution for deploying a tray table from a stowed to a use position, ensuring secure storage and easy access to portable electronic devices, reducing the need for multiple cases and storage space, and allowing for secure placement and use of devices during travel.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator subassembly is mounted on the support structure and is connected to the tray support to lift the tray support to deploy the tray subassembly along a predetermined non-linear path from the stowed position to the use position through stored potential energy without consuming electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The assembly may further comprise a dampening device configured to dampen movement of the tray support between the stowed position and the use position without consuming electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanized tray table assembly capable of automatically deploying from a stowed position in a vehicular seat back towards a use position within a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a support structure adapted to the coupled to the seat back, a tray support and a tray subassembly supported for rotation about a rotational axis by the tray support. The tray subassembly includes a lid and a container having an opening for allowing ingress and egress of items into and out of a storage compartment of the container, respectively, in an open position of the lid. An actuator subassembly is mounted on the support structure and is connected to the tray support to lift the tray support to deploy the tray subassembly along a predetermined non-linear path from the stowed position to the use position through stored potential energy without consuming electrical energy.