Vehicle Table Arrangement with Dual Displays and Pivot Arm

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle table arrangements lack multifunctionality and adaptability to serve as both an armrest, display, and storage, failing to fully utilize the space for various activities during semi-autonomous driving, where passengers need versatile communication and entertainment options.

Innovation Solution

A table arrangement with two pivotably connected tabletops, each equipped with displays on both sides, supported by a pivotally connected support arm system, allowing for horizontal and vertical positioning, and adjustable via self-locking or motorized swivel drives, enabling use as an armrest, display, and storage, and adaptable for different vehicle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional single-function table is installed in the vehicle, then the structure is simple, but it cannot serve multiple functions such as armrest, display, and storage simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The table arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a table surface for activities, an armrest for driver support, and a storage console when closed. The same structural element adapts between these functions through pivoting motion, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The table arrangement incorporates dynamic movement through a support arm device with swivel joints that allow the table to pivot between different positions (horizontal for use, vertical for storage). This dynamic capability enables the structure to transform between functions rather than requiring multiple static components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If displays are added to both sides of the tabletop, then entertainment and communication options are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit serves dual purposes: when the table is in horizontal position, the top display provides entertainment for front passengers, and when pivoted to vertical position, the side displays become visible to rear passengers. This single component fulfills multiple entertainment roles for different passenger groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display arrangement leverages the dynamic pivoting motion of the table to change which displays are visible to which passengers. The same physical displays present different content to different audiences based on the table's position, maximizing the utility of the display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the table is designed to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, then adaptability for different activities is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm device with swivel joints provides controlled dynamic motion that allows the table to pivot smoothly between horizontal and vertical positions. This mechanical dynamic system enables position transformation without requiring complex electronic actuators or multiple separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The same support arm mechanism serves multiple purposes: it provides structural support for the table, enables pivoting motion for position change, and incorporates stopping mechanisms for position stabilization. This single mechanism handles multiple functional requirements rather than requiring separate systems for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of moving object

If the tabletop is designed as two separate pivotable sections, then the table surface area can be expanded, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable surface areaVSAvoidtabletop structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tabletop is divided into two separate sections (first tabletop and second tabletop) that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the surface area to be expanded when needed while maintaining a compact form when folded, and each section can be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two tabletop sections are connected through a pivot joint that allows dynamic reconfiguration. The sections can be positioned at different angles depending on the required surface area, providing adaptable workspace rather than a fixed rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3703974B1Table arrangement for the interior of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 AUDI AG
  • EP3703974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3703974B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3703974B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a table arrangement (1) for the interior (10.0) of a vehicle (10), comprising a table top arrangement (2) having at least one first table top (2.1), the upper side (2.10) of which is designed with a display (2.11) and has an armrest (2.12) for a driver (P) of the vehicle (10), and comprising an arm support device (3) using which the table top arrangement (2) is pivotably connected to a bodywork (10.1) of the vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a table arrangement.