Vertically adjustable tray table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tray table assemblies in passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, often fail to accommodate passengers outside the typical size range, as they lack customization options for individuals in the top or bottom five percentile, leading to suboptimal deployment heights that can interfere with personal space and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable tray table system that includes a pivot adjustable between two heights, allowing the tray table to be rotated and positioned at different vertical levels, with mechanisms like pins, prongs, and telescoping arms to facilitate vertical adjustment, enabling the tray table to be raised or lowered to accommodate various passenger heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is designed with a fixed pivot height to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different passenger sizes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pivot height adjustable rather than fixed. The tray table assembly includes a height-adjustable pivot that can be positioned at multiple vertical levels along the seat back, allowing the system to adapt to different passenger sizes and preferences. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can change its configuration based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the vertical position of the pivot point. The height-adjustable pivot mechanism allows changing the key geometric parameter (pivot height) to accommodate different passenger sizes. This enables the same tray table assembly to serve multiple height requirements without requiring completely different designs for different passenger percentiles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tray table is positioned closer to the seat back to accommodate shorter passengers, then the adaptability improves, but the living space for taller passengers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable pivot enables dynamic repositioning of the tray table vertically. Taller passengers can set the pivot higher to maintain adequate living space, while shorter passengers can lower it for better accessibility. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between accommodating different body sizes and preserving living space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting tray table position only in the horizontal direction (forward/backward), the patent introduces vertical dimension adjustment through the height-adjustable pivot. This additional degree of freedom allows independent optimization of living space and accessibility for different passenger heights without compromising either parameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot is made height-adjustable to accommodate different passengers, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable pivot mechanism is segmented into discrete height positions along the seat back. Rather than requiring continuous adjustment capability, the system provides multiple predetermined height levels, which reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability. The pivot can be positioned at specific intervals that cover the range needed for different passenger sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as guide rails, detents, or positioning mechanisms that mediate between the simple rotation function and the height adjustment requirement. These intermediary elements enable height variability without requiring complex actuation systems, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are support surfaces (such as passenger seat tray tables) that have a pivot about which the support surface is rotatable. The pivot can be coupled with a track and movable relative to the track to adjust a deployed height of the tray table, such as among a stowed position along the seat back in which the pivot is retained at a first height; a first deployed position in which the pivot is retained at a first height and the support surface is oriented for receiving and supporting items; and a second deployed position in which the pivot is retained at the second height and the support surface is oriented for receiving and supporting items.