Vehicle Deployable Table With Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deployable tables in vehicles, such as those stowed in armrests, require manual lifting and can be difficult to access, especially for heavier assemblies, making them unsuitable for luxury motor vehicles where deployment is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A deployable table apparatus with a support arm and carrier member that uses a biasing means, like a spring element or spring motor, to assist in deploying the table by moving the carrier member from a retracted to an extended position, allowing the table to pivot into use without manual lifting, and includes a damping mechanism for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to deploy the table, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing and lifting the table, especially for heavier assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing means (spring element or spring motor) is introduced to provide an upward force that counteracts the weight of the carrier member and table. This reduces the manual lifting force required by the user, making deployment easier while allowing the structure to remain relatively simple through the use of a straightforward mechanical biasing mechanism
2Volume of moving object
If the table is stowed in the armrest immediately adjacent to the user, then the space utilization is efficient, but the ease of operation deteriorates because accessing and manually lifting the table becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means provides upward force to counteract gravity, reducing the effort needed to lift the table from its stowed position in the armrest. This enables users to easily access and deploy the table even when it is positioned in a compact location adjacent to the seat
3Stability of the object's composition
If the carrier member is made heavy to support a fixed table when deployed, then the stability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased difficulty in manual lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means is specifically designed to counterbalance the weight of the carrier member and table assembly. This allows the carrier to be sufficiently heavy to provide stability when deployed as a fixed table, while the spring element or spring motor compensates for the weight during deployment, maintaining ease of operation
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
Facilitates easy deployment and use of the table by reducing the force required for extension and ensuring controlled movement, making it suitable for heavier assemblies and improving user accessibility, especially in luxury motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing means can comprise a spring element
Implementation Method 2
The biasing means can comprise a spring motor
Implementation Method 3
The constant force spring can deliver a uniform force irrespective of the position of the carrier member in relation to the support arm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a deployable table apparatus (1) for a vehicle (7). The apparatus includes a support arm (17) and a carrier member (19). The carrier member (19) is mounted to the support arm (17) and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A table (3) is mounted to the carrier member (19) and is pivotable between a first position suitable for stowage and a second position suitable for use. A biasing mechanism (23) is provided for biasing the carrier member (19) towards said extended position. At least in certain embodiments, movement of the carrier member (19) from said extended position to said retracted position is inhibited when the table (3) is in said second position. Furthermore, at least in certain embodiments, pivoting the table (3) to said second position is inhibited when the carrier member (19) is in said retracted position. The invention also relates to a vehicle (7) incorporating the apparatus (1).