Vehicle Table Pivot Layout for Interference-Free Passenger Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle table devices often interfere with passenger seating when adjusting between storage and usable positions, requiring passengers to move out of the way during adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A table device for vehicles with a tabletop element and support element that pivots relative to a holding device, utilizing a guide track for precise pivoting movements and a connecting element to minimize interference, allowing the tabletop to be adjusted around seated passengers without requiring them to move.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the table is adjusted between storage and operating positions using conventional mechanisms, then the table can be positioned for use, but the tabletop element interferes with the seated person during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable adjustmentVSAvoidinterference with seated person
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a second pivot axis that is oblique to the first pivot axis. The tabletop element pivots about a first pivot axis relative to the support element, and the support element pivots about a second pivot axis relative to the holding device. This dual-axis oblique pivoting mechanism enables the tabletop to move through a three-dimensional adjustment path that clears the seated person's space, thereby resolving the interference problem while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table uses a simple pivot mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the tabletop cannot be positioned ergonomically around the seated person

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic positioningVSAvoidpivoting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs another dimension by adding a second pivot axis oblique to the first pivot axis. This creates a more complex but adaptable mechanism that enables ergonomic positioning. The first pivot axis allows rotation of the tabletop relative to the support element, while the second pivot axis enables the support element to rotate relative to the holding device, providing multi-dimensional adjustment capability for optimal ergonomic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the table structure adjustable through multiple pivot axes. The mechanism transitions from a static simple pivot to a dynamic multi-axis system where the tabletop and support element can be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic capability allows the table to adapt to various ergonomic requirements while managing the increased structural complexity through modular pivot connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4101764B1Table device for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LISA DRAXLMAIER GMBH
  • EP4101764B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4101764B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4101764B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a table device (10) for a vehicle, comprising a table adjustable between at least one operating position (18) and a stowable position (16), which includes a tabletop element (24) providing a table surface (12) in the operating position (18) and a support element (22) on which the tabletop element (24) is held, and a holding device (20) on which the support element (22) is held, wherein, for adjusting the table device (10), the support element (22) is arranged to be rotated relative to the holding element (20) about a pivot axis (28), and the tabletop element (24) is arranged to be pivoted relative to the support element (22) about a pivot axis (26) extending obliquely to the pivot axis (28).