Motorized Vehicle Folding Table Arm With Compact Gear Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding table arrangements in vehicles face challenges with complex drive devices that require large installation space, high weight, and complexity, making them difficult to operate and prone to user errors, while also needing improvements in flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A folding table arrangement with a first motorized drive device using a worm gear motor and spur gearing for the support arm, and optional second and third drive devices for the table top, allowing for automated and manual operation with reduced space and weight, and enhanced safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a folding table arrangement uses a complex drive device with multiple components to enable automated operation, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device is segmented into modular components: a motor unit, a gear unit with pinion and gear wheel, and a crank mechanism. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear unit is nested within the motor unit housing, with the pinion directly mounted on the motor shaft and the gear wheel meshing with it. The crank mechanism is integrated into the gear unit assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes installation space while preserving all automated functions.
2Extent of automation
If a folding table arrangement uses a complex drive device with multiple components to enable automated operation, then the extent of automation is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex multi-stage gear reduction system that would be heavy, the invention inverts the approach by using a single-stage gear unit with a pinion directly driven by the motor. The crank mechanism converts this single-stage reduction into the required multi-directional motion, achieving automation with minimal weight.
3Device complexity
If a folding table arrangement uses a manual operation mechanism without drive devices to reduce complexity and weight, then the device complexity is reduced and weight is reduced, but the extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial automation by providing a drive device option that can be selectively installed. When installed, it provides full automated operation for the support arm. When not installed, the mechanism remains manually operable. This allows the system to achieve automation only to the extent needed, avoiding unnecessary complexity and weight.
4Ease of operation
If a folding table arrangement is designed to be easily operated by users to improve ease of operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity may increase due to additional safety and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The drive device includes automatic position detection and control mechanisms that sense when the support arm reaches its extended or retracted positions and automatically stop the motor. The system also includes automatic reversal functionality that detects user grasping and reverses motion to prevent pinching. These self-service features simplify operation while keeping the overall system compact through integrated design.
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 easy, safe, and efficient operation with reduced complexity, space, and weight, minimizing the risk of user errors and damage, and offering flexible use in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The gear transmission device (36) comprises a pinion (37) driven by the first motor device (12) and a gear element (38) fixedly connected to the support arm (6) and meshing with the pinion (37)
Data Source
AI summary
A folding table arrangement, including: a base carrier; a support arm assembly coupled to the base carrier and having a support arm which is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis and is pivotable between a retracted and an extended position, wherein the support arm assembly is assigned a first drive device which has a first motor device and a gear transmission device drivingly connected to the first motor device for driving and controlling the pivotal movement of the support arm about the first pivot axis relative to the base carrier, wherein the gear transmission device includes a pinion driven by the first motor device and a gear element which is fixedly connected to the support arm and meshes with the pinion; and a table top assembly coupled to the support arm and pivotally arranged relative to the support arm about a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis, wherein the table top assembly is pivotable between a folded position and an unfolded position, the table top assembly including a holding arm hinged to the support arm and a table top rotatably mounted on the holding arm about a rotational axis different from the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.