Support assembly for table system and corresponding method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional table support systems in compact spaces, such as lavatories in passenger trains and ships, face challenges in maximizing space utilization while providing a robust and movable surface for various activities, including infant changing, as they often require additional countertop space and encroach on user mobility.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly for a table that includes a frame partially inserted into a cavity in a second wall, with rotatably coupled support arms that move between retracted and extended positions, utilizing a biasing member and keyed shaft system to facilitate automatic deployment and retraction, minimizing lateral space usage and allowing for efficient use of available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional table support system is used in a compact lavatory, then the table can provide a surface for various activities, but it encroaches on user mobility and reduces available space
Solution Approach 1:
The table support system employs dynamic support arms that can rotate between extended and retracted positions, allowing the table to adapt between providing full surface area and minimizing space occupation. The support arms include curved surfaces that guide the table through controlled movement paths, enabling the system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on usage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is divided into separate functional components: a frame mounted on the wall, rotatable support arms, and a biasing member mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall ability to provide table functionality without permanently occupying lavatory space.
2Strength
If the table is made robust to withstand high loads and cycles, then it can support infant changing and other activities, but it requires more space and complicates the support mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms combine multiple functions into a single component: they provide structural support for heavy loads, enable rotational movement through keyed shafts, and work with the biasing member to control deployment. This merging allows the system to achieve robust load-bearing capability without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple critical roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically controls the deployment and retraction of the support arms without requiring user intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism self-regulates the table's movement between extended and retracted positions, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining robust support capability.
3Productivity
If the table can be quickly deployed and stowed, then it maximizes space utilization, but it requires a complex mechanism with multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member provides automatic deployment and retraction functionality, allowing the table to be quickly positioned without manual manipulation of multiple components. The spring mechanism self-activates to extend or retract the support arms based on table position, achieving rapid deployment while minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surfaces on the support arms work with the keyed shaft mechanism to guide smooth rotational movement. These curved geometries enable the table to transition efficiently between positions through controlled rotational paths, speeding up deployment while using a relatively simple rotational mechanism rather than complex multi-stage actuation systems.
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 enables the table to be efficiently deployed and stowed, optimizing space usage by minimizing lateral space requirements and providing a robust, movable surface for multiple functions without encroaching on user space, thus enhancing usability in compact environments.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is operatively connected to the frame and configured to bias the at least one support arm toward the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The keyed shaft is threaded through the respective holes and the keyed bore to support the plurality of positions of the at least one support arm
Implementation Method 3
The curved surface includes a first arched surface and a second arched surface. The second arched surface includes a respective curvature opposed to the first arched surface.
Implementation Method 4
The at least one support arm includes an inclined surface configured to allow the at least one support arm to be pushed towards the extended position as the table moves towards the deployed position
Implementation Method 5
The shelf portion is angled and configured to at least partially transfer a load from the at least one support arm to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a table being mounted on a first wall includes a frame configured to be at least partially inserted in a cavity defined in a second wall. The table is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The support assembly includes at least one support arm rotatably coupled to the frame and movable through a plurality of positions between a retracted position and an extended position. A biasing member is operatively connected to the frame and configured to bias the support arm toward the retracted position, wherein the at least one support arm is configured to move from the retracted position to the extended position as the table moves from the stowed position to the deployed position. A method for assembling a table system and a table system having the support assembly are provided.