Fold-Up Vehicle Table Latching Structure for Stable Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible table arrangements in vehicles lack a space-efficient and stable design for both storage and use, often requiring more installation space than necessary and failing to provide adequate stability in use positions.
Innovation Solution
The table-top holder is designed to be displaceable and latchable into a recess, secured by a helical compression spring, allowing automatic fixing in both vertical and horizontal positions, with additional stabilization via a bearing spindle and latching mechanism, and the carrier is optimized as a U-shaped sheet-metal part or tube to minimize space while allowing for high loading capacity and tilting prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the table is designed to be collapsible with vertical storage position, then the installation space is reduced, but the stability in use position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The table-top holder is designed to be displaceable along the direction of travel and can be latched into different positions. In use position, it provides stable support for the table top, while in rest position, it allows the table to be folded vertically for compact storage. The dynamic displacement mechanism enables the structure to transition between stable use and compact storage states.
Solution Approach 2:
The table-top holder is divided into separate functional components: a displacement mechanism for movement along the direction of travel, and a latching mechanism for securing in position. This segmentation allows the holder to independently perform displacement and locking functions, achieving both compact storage and stable use.
2Strength
If the table-top holder is made displaceable and latchable, then the stability and loading capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement function and latching function are merged into a single table-top holder assembly. The holder combines a displaceable mounting mechanism with integrated latching elements, allowing it to perform both movement and securing functions without requiring separate independent systems, thus managing complexity while achieving high loading capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The table-top holder serves multiple functions: it mounts the table top, enables displacement along the direction of travel, provides latching for stable positioning, and supports high loading capacity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing overall device complexity while achieving superior performance.
3Volume of stationary object
If the carrier is designed as U-shaped sheet-metal part or tube, then the installation space is minimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed as a U-shaped sheet-metal part or tubular structure, utilizing thin-walled formed sections to achieve compact geometry. This design minimizes installation space while the standardized U-shape or tubular form facilitates manufacturing through common forming and bending processes, balancing compactness with ease of production.
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
This design enables the table to be stored compactly and used stably with high loading capacity, maintaining stability and reducing installation space requirements, while allowing for versatile positioning and easy adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
If a helical compression spring here wraps around the bearing spindle with play, wherein the helical compression spring has its one end supported on the carrier and has its other end prestressed in abutment against the table-top holder, biasing the latter in the latching-in direction into the latching recess
Data Source
AI summary
A table can be folded in the interior of a motor vehicle and comprises a table top arranged on a vehicle-mounted support so that the table top can be moved from a resting position, in which the table plane is oriented substantially vertically, into a usage position oriented substantially horizontally. The support extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the table top is fastened to the support so the table top can be pivoted by a table top retainer from the vertical resting position into a horizontal position about a pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The table top and/or the table top retainer can be locked in the usage position by a locking device when the table top is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position. When the table top is in the horizontal position and/or in the vertical position, the table top retainer is supported so that it can be moved in or opposite the direction of travel to lock the table top retainer into a catch recess of the support that extends in or opposite the direction of travel, and the retainer is secured against pivoting about the first pivot axis.