Variable Console Table with Wire-Lift Mechanism for Space and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles with fixed console structures are inefficient in space utilization and lack structural rigidity, making them unsuitable for autonomous vehicles where passengers need flexible and robust table solutions for comfort during travel.
Innovation Solution
A console apparatus with a variable table that includes a housing with an open upper portion, a vertically movable support, and a lifting mechanism using a wire and pulley system to adjust the support's position and speed, along with a locking mechanism to secure the table in place, allowing for enhanced rigidity and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fixed console structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The console structure is transformed from a fixed static design to a dynamic variable table system that can change position and configuration. The table support moves vertically along guide rails and can be locked at different heights, allowing the console to adapt between a compact stored state and an extended usable state, thereby resolving the contradiction between space utilization and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The console is divided into separable components: a fixed housing, a movable table support, and a table surface. This segmentation allows the table support to be independently moved and positioned, enabling the system to achieve both compact storage (when retracted) and stable extended configuration (when locked in position), thus resolving the space utilization versus structural stability contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If a fixed console structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The console incorporates a dynamically adjustable table support with vertical movement capability along guide rails and a locking mechanism. This dynamic design allows the table to be stored compactly within the console housing when not in use, significantly improving space efficiency, while the standardized mechanical components (guide rails, locking mechanism) keep manufacturing complexity manageable.
3Ease of operation
If a variable table is provided for each seat, then passenger convenience is improved, but structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The table support is designed with vertical movability along guide rails and a locking mechanism that secures the table at selected positions. This dynamic design provides passenger convenience by allowing adjustable table heights and compact storage, while the guide rails and locking mechanism maintain structural rigidity when the table is extended or stored, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
4Ease of operation
If a variable table is provided for each seat, then passenger comfort is improved, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The console incorporates a dynamically adjustable table support that can move vertically and be locked at different positions, providing passenger comfort through height adjustment and accessibility. When not in use, the table support retracts into the console housing, maximizing space utilization. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between passenger comfort and space utilization.
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 solution provides a robust and space-efficient table that can be stowed away during non-use, accessible to all vehicle occupants, and equipped with a limit sensor to prevent damage, enhancing passenger comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body configured to press the holder in a winding direction of the wire
Implementation Method 2
The elastic body may be a spiral spring
Implementation Method 3
a pulley roll disposed at an upper portion of the inner space of the housing and configured to support the wire when the wire is bent
Implementation Method 4
a wire connected to the support; and a wire roll disposed in the inner space of the housing and configured to allow the wire to be wound therearound and to provide a tensile force to the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A console apparatus with a variable table provided in a vehicle can include: a housing having an inner space with an open upper portion; a support configured to be vertically movable in the inner space of the housing; a table part rotatably connected to an upper end of the support; and a lifting part disposed in the housing and configured to fix a position of the support or adjust a speed of the support when the support is moved up or down.