Fixing device for a table top
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table fixing devices in railway vehicles do not adequately protect passengers from injury during abrupt deceleration events, as they can cause collisions between passengers and table tops, leading to serious injuries.
Innovation Solution
A table fixing device with bending initiation zones that deform plastically when a predetermined force is applied, allowing the support structure to pivot and absorb impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury by controlling the table's displacement and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to ensure table stability, then the table provides a stable horizontal surface, but it causes severe collisions and injuries to passengers during abrupt deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic system with bending initiation zones that allow controlled movement. The longitudinal members can pivot relative to the cross member around a pivot axis when force exceeds the predetermined threshold, enabling the structure to adapt its rigidity based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending initiation zones are pre-configured with reduced cross-sectional area to create a predetermined failure mechanism. This beforehand cushioning allows the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled plastic deformation and pivoting, preventing the transmission of full impact force to passengers during abrupt deceleration events.
2Loss of energy
If the bending initiation zones have reduced cross-sectional area to enable plastic deformation, then impact energy can be absorbed, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure exhibits non-uniform cross-sectional properties: the bending initiation zones have reduced cross-sectional area to enable plastic deformation and energy absorption, while the remaining portions maintain full cross-sectional area and high strength. This local differentiation allows the structure to be weak only where needed for safety, while remaining strong elsewhere for load-bearing functionality.
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 device effectively reduces the risk of passenger injury by absorbing impact energy and preventing the table from causing further harm during collisions, ensuring safer passenger protection during unforeseen events.
Implementation Method 1
bending initiation zones configured to deform plastically when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold force is applied to said support structure in the transverse direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This fastening device (16) for a tabletop (14) to a side wall (12) of a vehicle, the fastening device (16) comprising: - a fastening structure (30) to the side wall (12), - a support structure (28) for the tabletop (14), the support structure (28) comprising: - at least one cross member (34) extending in a transverse direction, - at least two longitudinal members (36) each extending in a longitudinal direction substantially orthogonal to the transverse direction, said cross member (34) being connected to each of said longitudinal members (36). The support structure (28) includes bending initiation zones (38) configured to deform plastically when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold force is applied to said support structure (28) in the transverse direction.