Tray Table Latch Assembly with Multi-Tiered Rivet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray tables in vehicles lack enhanced features for secure and efficient deployment and stowage, particularly in response to inertial forces.
Innovation Solution
A tray table assembly with a carrier mechanism and a latch assembly that includes a multi-tiered rivet, biasing member, and latch, which allows the latch to move from a biased-closed position to an open position in response to an applied force above a target force, selectively engaging a post to lock the carrier mechanism in a holstered position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch assembly with biasing member is used to keep the tray table locked during vehicle motion, then reliability under inertial forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member automatically maintains the latch in the closed position without requiring external control systems or additional actuators. The spring-loaded mechanism self-regulates to keep the tray table secured during vehicle motion, improving reliability while avoiding increased system complexity through passive self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical biasing member replaces complex electronic locking systems or multiple mechanical components with a simple spring-loaded latch mechanism. This substitution achieves reliable locking during inertial forces using fundamental mechanical principles, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven carrier mechanism is used for automated tray deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven carrier mechanism replaces manual operation with automated motor control, significantly improving ease of operation. The motorized system handles the complexity of controlled deployment and retraction, allowing users to simply activate the function without manually manipulating mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven carrier mechanism serves multiple functions: deploying the tray table, retracting it, positioning it in intermediate states, and coordinating with the latch assembly. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single integrated system, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation
3Reliability
If an inertial latch system is used to lock the tray during vehicle motion, then reliability under inertial forces is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with specific force thresholds where the biasing member maintains the closed position under normal inertial forces but allows opening when sufficient force is applied. This parameter-based design ensures reliability during vehicle motion while permitting easy operation when needed, as the user simply needs to apply force exceeding the predetermined threshold
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 assembly provides secure and efficient deployment and stowage of the tray table, ensuring it remains locked during inertial forces, such as those experienced in vehicle motion, while allowing easy actuation when stationary.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly including a biasing member coupled with the multi-tiered rivet. The biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased-closed position
Implementation Method 2
The latch moves from the biased-closed position to an open position in response to an applied force above a target force
Data Source
AI summary
A tray table assembly includes a carrier mechanism that translates a tray coupled with the carrier mechanism. The tray table assembly includes a latch assembly, the latch assembly includes a multi-tiered rivet coupled with a bracket. The latch assembly includes a biasing member coupled with the multi-tiered rivet. A latch is coupled with the multi-tiered rivet and the biasing member. The biasing member is configured to bias the latch toward a biased-closed position. The latch moves from the biased-closed position to an open position in response to an applied force above a target force. The latch in the open position selectively engages the carrier mechanism to lock the carrier mechanism.