Spring-Loaded Interlock Assembly for One-Handed Tray Table Latching

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional latches for securing tray tables in passenger seats require two-handed operation, pose a head strike danger, have protruding surfaces, and are aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A spring-loaded interlock assembly with a catch and handle that pivots about separate axes, biased by torsion springs, allowing one-handed operation, automatic latching, and a secure, non-protruding design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional rotating toggles are used for latching, then the tray table can be secured, but two-handed operation is required and head strike danger increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching operationVSAvoidhead strike danger

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional latch operation by making the catch (safety component) movable and the handle (release component) stationary. Instead of rotating a toggle to engage/disengage, the user simply pushes the handle which automatically actuates the catch to open. This inversion eliminates the need for two-handed operation and removes protruding rotating parts that could strike the head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded components. When the handle is pushed, it automatically triggers the catch to open without requiring the user to manually manipulate multiple components. The springs provide the necessary force to move the catch and return components to their proper positions, making the system self-serving and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional rotating toggles are used, then latching function is achieved, but protruding surfaces are created that catch during ingress and egress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching functionVSAvoidprotruding surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional latch operation by making the catch (safety component) movable and the handle (release component) stationary. Instead of rotating a toggle to engage/disengage, the user simply pushes the handle which automatically actuates the catch to open. This inversion eliminates the need for two-handed operation and removes protruding rotating parts that could strike the head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism transitions from a rotating motion (traditional toggle) to a linear pushing motion. The handle moves in a straight line perpendicular to the backrest surface, eliminating the need for protruding rotating elements. The catch pivots on a hidden hinge within the backrest structure, keeping all moving parts recessed and eliminating protruding surfaces that could catch clothing or accessories during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If traditional rotating toggles are used, then tray table can be secured, but aesthetic appeal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring functionVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism transitions from a rotating motion (traditional toggle) to a linear pushing motion. The handle moves in a straight line perpendicular to the backrest surface, eliminating the need for protruding rotating elements. The catch pivots on a hidden hinge within the backrest structure, keeping all moving parts recessed and eliminating protruding surfaces that could catch clothing or accessories during movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the rotating toggle mechanism entirely and replaces it with a push-button style handle and a hidden catch mechanism. The catch pivots on a hinge that is concealed within the backrest structure, removing the visible rotating element that marred the aesthetic appearance. The entire latching system is designed to be flush with or recessed into the backrest surface, maintaining clean lines and visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables one-handed secure latching and unlocking of tray tables, reducing the risk of head strikes and improving aesthetics while maintaining stability during normal and crash conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a first torsion spring biasing the catch open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a second torsion spring biasing the handle closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12612164B2Interlock assembly for securing a passenger seat tray table

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

An interlock assembly for securing a passenger seat tray table including a mounting block mountable to a passenger seat, a catch pivotally mounted to the mounting block and configured to pivot about a first pivot axis, a handle pivotally mounted to the mounting block and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis, a first torsion spring biasing the catch open, and a second torsion spring biasing the handle closed. In use, the handle and the catch are configured to close and interlock to secure the passenger seat tray table, and disengage and open to release the passenger seat tray table. The interlock assembly may be a line replaceable unit, a component of a tray table assembly, a component of a passenger seat assembly, etc.