Vehicle centre console table system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat back-mounted tables suffer from undesirable movement and require multiple joints, leading to inefficient use of packaging space and interference with front seats.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle centre console table system with an actuation system for elevation, a slider for horizontal sliding, and a pivot for turning, allowing the table to be stowed forward without interference, optimizing packaging space and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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
Solution Approach 1:
The table system is divided into independent functional components: the table surface, the support structure with actuation system, the slider mechanism, and the pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the table can be positioned stably at the rear while the support structure handles the movement and positioning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the front seat and the table. Instead of directly mounting the table to the moving front seat, the support structure with its actuation system, slider, and pivot provides a stable platform for the table while accommodating seat movement through controlled mechanical transitions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are used to enable table positioning, then the table can be positioned in front of the user, but each joint introduces lost motion and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple positioning functions are merged into an integrated support structure. The actuation system, slider, and pivot are combined into a single coordinated mechanism that provides elevation, horizontal sliding, and angular turning capabilities without requiring separate joint assemblies for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the table, enables vertical elevation through the actuation system, allows horizontal positioning through the slider, and provides angular adjustment through the pivot. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized joints for each degree of freedom
3Volume of stationary object
If the table is positioned forward for stowage, then packaging space is improved, but the table may interfere with front seats
Solution Approach 1:
The table positioning system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The table can transition between forward stowed position and rear deployed position, and between different angular orientations. This dynamic capability allows the table to occupy minimal space during stowage while providing full functionality during use, eliminating the need to compromise between space efficiency and interference avoidance
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle centre console table system includes: a table; an actuation system configured to, based on an electrical signal, elevate the table from a first position to a second position above the first position, wherein in the first position the table is in a substantially horizontal orientation and defines a vehicle centre console surface, and wherein in the elevated second position the table is in the substantially horizontal orientation; a slider configured to enable horizontal sliding of the table from the second position to an aft position rearward of the second position; and a pivot 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 to a first side −y of the aft position and a second operating angle to a second opposite side +y of the aft position.