Vehicle centre console table system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seat back-mounted tables suffer from undesirable movement and require excessive packaging space due to multiple joints and mechanisms, leading to interference with front seats and inefficient use of space.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle centre console table system with an actuation system that elevates and slides the table rearwards, featuring a pivot mechanism for horizontal turning, a fixed-length support for stability, and a control system to avoid interference, allowing the table to be stowed forward without obstructing other equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the table is mounted on the front seat back, then the table is easily accessible to rear seat occupants, but the table moves undesirably when the front seat slides forward and backward

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of table to rear seat occupantsVSAvoidStability of table position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The table system is segmented into multiple independent components: the front seat assembly, the table assembly with its own support structure, and the actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows the table to be positioned independently of the front seat's sliding motion, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary support structure and actuation system are introduced between the front seat and the table. This intermediary mechanism decouples the table's position from the front seat's position, allowing the table to remain stable while the front seat slides, thus maintaining both accessibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple joints and mechanisms are used to position the table, then the table can be positioned in front of the user, but the packaging space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePositioning capability of tableVSAvoidPackaging space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The complex multi-joint positioning mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified system consisting of a single actuator that moves the table along a linear track. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential positioning functionality, significantly reducing packaging space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using multiple joints to achieve positioning (complex approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a single actuator with a linear track system. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while achieving the same positioning adaptability, thereby reducing the volume required for packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Volume of stationary object

If the table is positioned forward along the centre console, then packaging space is optimized, but the table may interfere with front seat objects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePackaging space utilizationVSAvoidInterference with front seat objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The table position is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The actuation system allows the table to be moved forward to optimize packaging space when not in use, and positioned rearward when needed by rear seat occupants, eliminating interference with front seat objects while maintaining space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows preliminary positioning of the table in a forward stowed position before use. This preliminary action optimizes packaging space and prevents interference with front seat objects, while the table can be quickly repositioned to the rearward working position when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4419388B1Vehicle centre console table system

Publication Date: 2025.12.10 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

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AI summary

A vehicle centre console table system (100) for a vehicle (1), the vehicle centre console table system comprising: a table (102); an actuation system (104) configured to, in dependence on an electrical signal, elevate the table from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) above the first position, wherein in the first position the table is in a substantially horizontal orientation and defines a vehicle centre console surface (S), and wherein in the elevated second position the table is in the substantially horizontal orientation; a slider (106) configured to enable horizontal sliding of the table from the second position to an aft position (AP) rearward of the second position; and a pivot (108) proximal to a fore end of the table, configured to enable turning of the table along a horizontal arc, in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, between a first operating angle (A1) to a first side -y of the aft position and a second operating angle (A2) to a second opposite side +y of the aft position.