Vehicle Table Elastic Connecting Bar Horizontal Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tables with energy absorption mechanisms either require costly and complex replacement after incidents or risk passenger injury due to unpredictable height changes during strong accelerations.
Innovation Solution
A table design featuring an elastic connecting bar along the longitudinal axis, combined with additional elastically deformable elements, allows for reversible deformation and improved energy absorption, reducing injury risk and enabling horizontal movement of the tabletop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If plastically deformable connecting elements are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the table requires costly and complex replacement after incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material property parameter from plastic deformation to elastic deformation. The connecting elements are designed to deform elastically during impact and return to their original position, avoiding permanent deformation. This allows the table to absorb energy while remaining reusable without costly replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by making the energy absorption mechanism reusable rather than disposable. Instead of using plastically deformable elements that must be replaced after use, the patent employs elastically deformable elements that can be used repeatedly, reducing long-term costs and complexity.
2Strength
If vertically extending connecting arms and rods are used for energy absorption, then parts destruction is prevented, but passenger body crushing risk increases due to tabletop height changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the connecting elements from vertical extension to horizontal extension along the longitudinal axis of the table. This dimensional reorientation ensures that during impact, the tabletop moves horizontally rather than changing height vertically, eliminating the risk of crushing passengers while maintaining structural durability.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting bar is arranged directly underneath the tabletop, then space is saved and protection against damage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting bar with the tabletop structure by integrating it directly underneath the tabletop. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate vertical support elements and simplifies the overall structure, reducing space requirements while the protective positioning under the tabletop naturally shields it from damage.
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 effectively reduces passenger injury risk by allowing reversible deformation and horizontal movement of the tabletop, while being space-efficient and protected from damage, with enhanced energy absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting device has at least one elastic connecting bar which extends substantially along the longitudinal axis and via which the tabletop is connected to the base
Implementation Method 2
In addition to the connecting bar, the connecting device may have further elastically deformable elements which improve the energy absorption. These elements may be connected in series or in parallel with the connecting bar.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a table for a vehicle, the table including at least one base for fastening to the vehicle, and a table plate connected to the base. The table plate is elastically movable crosswise to a longitudinal axis of the table, in relation to the base, via a connection apparatus.