Vehicle Tray Table With Adjustable Device Support and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicular tray tables are limited in functionality and do not accommodate the use of portable electronic devices, restricting passenger entertainment and comfort during travel.
Innovation Solution
A versatile tray table designed to support portable electronic devices, featuring a planar body with a recess for device placement, adjustable support arms or mounts, and integrated wireless charging and communication capabilities, allowing for secure and convenient use of devices at various angles and positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tray tables are used in vehicles, then they provide basic food and drink support functionality, but they cannot accommodate portable electronic devices for passenger entertainment
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is designed with a recess that can accommodate multiple types of portable electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) in addition to traditional food and drink items. This universal design allows a single structure to serve multiple functions: supporting consumables and providing device support for passenger entertainment, thereby improving adaptability without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a recess area for electronic devices and a main surface area for food and drink items. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling the tray table to handle different object types independently
2Ease of operation
If tray tables are designed with fixed positioning, then they provide stable support, but they cannot be adjusted to various viewing angles for electronic device use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table incorporates movable components including support arms with adjustable positioning mechanisms and rotatable mounts that allow the electronic device support surface to be tilted and rotated to various angles. These dynamic elements enable passengers to adjust the device holder to comfortable viewing positions while maintaining stable support through friction-based or mechanical locking features that secure the position once adjusted
3Adaptability or versatility
If tray tables are designed without integrated electronics, then they maintain simple construction, but they cannot provide wireless charging or communication capabilities for devices
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table design merges traditional mechanical support functions with integrated electronic capabilities by incorporating wireless charging terminals, short-range wireless communication antennas, and power delivery systems directly into the tray table structure. This combination allows the tray table to simultaneously provide physical device support and electronic services (wireless charging, data communication) through a unified integrated system
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 passengers to enjoy entertainment and services using their electronic devices during travel while maintaining comfort, with enhanced versatility and convenience through adjustable positioning and integrated connectivity options.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless battery charging terminal may be at the body
Implementation Method 2
A short range wireless communication antenna may also or alternatively be at the body
Data Source
AI summary
A support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort. The support may comprise an elongated cavity or slot configured to accept one or more portable electronic devices. The portable electronic devices may be held at various viewing angles relative to the passenger. In some embodiments, the support may be rotatable. In this manner, a passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned. Likewise, an operator or the like may rotate the support for cleaning or other maintenance.