Adjustable Headrest Structure for Independent Head Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrests for seating furniture lack versatility in adjustment, particularly failing to accommodate changes in the user's head position when the backrest inclination changes, and do not provide independent support for the head in reading positions.

Innovation Solution

A headrest with a height adjustment device and a tilt-adjustable cushion support, featuring a holder with a horizontal pivot axis, side parts for lateral support, and friction mechanisms to maintain adjustment positions, integrated into the backrest upholstery to ensure a seamless and aesthetically pleasing design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest inclination is adjusted, then the user can assume different sitting positions including reading positions, but the relative position of the user's head in relation to the headrest changes, reducing seating comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest inclination adjustmentVSAvoidhead support comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities through a height adjustment device with guide part and adjustment part that can move relative to each other, and a tilt-adjustable cushion support with horizontal pivot axis. This allows the headrest to dynamically adapt its position and angle to maintain comfort regardless of backrest inclination changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the headrest structure is made adjustable with multiple components, then versatility and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest adjustment capabilityVSAvoidheadrest structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest components are nested within the backrest upholstery structure. The guide part is fastened to the backrest, the adjustment part moves along the guide part, and the cushion support is held on the adjustment part. This nested arrangement allows multiple adjustment functions while integrating seamlessly into the backrest, minimizing visual complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment device and tilt-adjustable cushion support serve multiple functions: they enable both height adjustment and angle adjustment of the headrest, allowing it to accommodate various sitting positions and user preferences. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified mechanism rather than separate independent systems.

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

3Strength

If the holder and connecting sections are exposed, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised with visible structural elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder connection strengthVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The backrest upholstery acts as a flexible shell that covers and conceals the holder and connecting sections. The upholstery is designed to extend over these structural elements, hiding them from view while maintaining their structural function. This allows the mechanical components to remain accessible for adjustment while presenting a clean, seamless aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2386224B1Headrest and seating furniture
Publication Date: 2013.01.16 HIMOLLA POLSTERMOEBELWERK GMBH
  • EP2386224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2386224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2386224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The headrest (14) comprises a height adjusting unit for height adjustment of the headrest, which has a guide part (20) fastened at a backrest (12) of a chair, and an adjusting part (22) movably held at the guide part in the height adjusting direction. A tilt-adjustable cushion support (38) is provided, which is held at the adjusting part around a horizontal pivot axis. An independent claim is also included for a chair comprises a backrest.