Collapsible Tray Table Latch Assembly for Adjustable Storage Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tray tables are difficult to store and have fixed tabletop angles, limiting their portability and adaptability to user needs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tray table design featuring a tabletop support with pivot and slotted connections, a base assembly with a spring-loaded squeezable latch, and a helical spring mechanism that allows the tabletop to pivot from horizontal to vertical orientations, enabling easy storage and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tabletop is fixed in a horizontal position, then the table is stable for use, but it is difficult to store and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
The tabletop is designed to be dynamically adjustable between horizontal (use) and vertical (storage) positions through a pivot connection mechanism. The latch assembly allows the tabletop to transition between fixed positions, enabling easy storage while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments (first and second support members with inner and outer sections) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tabletop to be collapsed into a compact vertical position for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tabletop angle is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted to meet different user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The support members incorporate pivot connections and slotted connections with engagement openings that enable the tabletop to be positioned at multiple angles. The latch assembly secures the tabletop at desired angles, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner support members are nested within the outer support members, with the latch assembly fitting within the slotted connections. This nested configuration allows for angle adjustment capability while minimizing structural complexity and space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a latch mechanism is added to enable angle adjustment, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically engages with the engagement openings to secure the tabletop at selected angles. The spring-loaded design provides self-latching functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, balancing adaptability with simplicity.
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
Facilitates easy storage and quick angle adjustments, enhancing the tray table's portability and usability by allowing the tabletop to be easily changed between horizontal, vertical, and intermediate positions.
Implementation Method 1
the latch assembly also includes a spring. The spring is placed around the elongate post and has a first end pressing against the first receiver and a second end pressing against the second receiver. In this configuration, the spring urges the first and second receivers in an outward direction away from the latch cylinder and toward the first and second inner support members.
Implementation Method 2
the helical spring is also located within the latch cylinder and is placed around the elongate post. The helical spring has a first end pressing against the first receiver and a second end pressing against the second receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable tray table having a tabletop, a tabletop support connected to the tabletop, and a base assembly attached to the tabletop support and configured to allow the tabletop to move from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation. The base support includes a spring-biased squeezable latch, which has a squeezed position and a released position. The latch is configured to engage an engagement opening in the tabletop support, which fixes the tabletop support in a desired orientation corresponding to the engagement opening. The latch is also configured to disengage from the engagement opening and to slide along a slot in the tabletop support until it reaches a different engagement opening corresponding to a different orientation.