Aircraft Tray Table Support for Adjustable Device Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional airplane tray tables lack the ability to securely support electronic devices at optimal viewing or use positions, limiting passenger entertainment and comfort during flights.
Innovation Solution
A tray table with a versatile electronic device support system that includes a rotatable, adjustable cavity with angled walls and a bottom for secure positioning, inductive charging, and separable portions for easy cleaning, allowing passengers to position devices at desired angles and maintain them during flights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tray tables are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to securely support electronic devices at optimal viewing positions is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is divided into separable portions including a removable support structure and detachable cleaning access panels. This segmentation allows the device to provide complex electronic device support functionality while maintaining ease of manufacturing and cleaning through modular components that can be produced separately and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray table incorporates a universal support system with adjustable cavities and angled walls that can accommodate various electronic devices of different sizes and shapes. The support structure serves multiple functions: securing devices at optimal viewing angles, providing inductive charging capability, and enabling easy cleaning access, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the support cannot be adjusted to different angles for various passenger preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates rotatable mechanisms that allow the cavity and angled walls to be dynamically adjusted to different angles. This dynamic capability enables passengers to customize the viewing angle according to their preferences while the rotatable design itself remains relatively simple to manufacture using standard mechanical joints and bearings.
3Ease of operation
If the cavity is always open for device insertion, then access is easy, but dirt and debris can enter and contaminate the support area
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table design extracts the cleaning function as a separate, easily accessible operation through separable panels that can be removed to access the cavity interior. This allows the cavity to remain relatively open for easy device insertion while providing a simple mechanism for periodic cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and debris, separating the insertion and cleaning functions into distinct access points.
4Ease of repair
If the tray table is made as a single solid piece, then the structure is strong and durable, but cleaning the interior cavity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tray table is segmented into multiple portions including removable support structures and detachable panels that provide access to the interior cavity. These separable components are designed with joining mechanisms that maintain structural integrity when assembled, while allowing easy disassembly for cleaning purposes. The segmentation enables thorough cleaning of previously inaccessible interior surfaces without compromising the overall strength and durability of the tray table structure.
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
Enhances passenger comfort and entertainment by securely holding electronic devices at ergonomic angles, providing versatile support for various devices, and maintaining cleanliness through rotatable and separable design features.
Implementation Method 1
biasing mechanism may enclose the opening of the cavity by raising the plug to the top surface of the body while allowing the plug to be depressed when the electronic device is received in the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The aircraft tray table may also comprise an inductive battery charging system configured to wirelessly charge the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table having a support for portable electronic devices increases passenger convenience and comfort on flights. The support may comprise an elongated cavity 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 passenger may be permitted to adjust the angle at which his or her portable electronic device is positioned.