Tray Table Support Arm for Angled Device Viewing in Passenger Seats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Passenger comfort is compromised when using personal electronics devices on tray tables in economy-class seats due to limited fold-up range and distance from the screen, causing neck and eye strain from unsuitable viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A tray table with a support arm that can be configured to match the peripheral contour of the tray table, allowing the device to be positioned at an angle, with adjustable features such as non-slip sleeves, telescopic arms, and a movable lip to enhance stability and adjustability for optimal viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the PED is placed on the tray table surface, then the device can be supported, but the viewing angle is unsuitable causing neck and eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to transition between a stowed position (flush with tray table) and an extended support position. This dynamic capability enables the tray table to adapt to different viewing angle requirements without requiring a completely fixed complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented from the main tray table surface by introducing a separate, movable support arm. This allows the support function to be independently adjusted while the tray table surface remains simple and flat for item placement
2Ease of operation
If the support arm is extended to provide viewing angle adjustment, then viewing comfort improves, but the tray table surface stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is nested within a recess formed in the tray table surface. When stowed, the support arm sits flush within the recess, maintaining a stable and continuous surface. When extended, it provides support functionality without compromising the overall structural integrity of the tray table
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary element between the tray table surface and the PED. It provides the necessary support and angle adjustment while isolating the tray table surface from direct stress or instability caused by the angled support function
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm is made movable for angle adjustment, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm's position and angle are adjusted by changing physical parameters such as the extension distance and rotation angle. This allows continuous adaptability to different viewing requirements using simple mechanical parameter adjustments rather than complex multi-position mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A support structure for attachment to a tray table for a passenger seat, a tray table for a passenger seat, and a passenger seat. The support structure comprises a support arm shaped to substantially match at least a first portion of a peripheral contour of the tray table; and a connecting structure for connecting the support arm to the tray table in a manner such that the support arm is configurable into a stowed position in which the support arm extends substantially along said at least first portion of the peripheral contour of the tray table and at least one support position for supporting an item on the tray table in an angled orientation between a surface of the item and the surface of the tray table.