Adjustable Headrest Hinge for In-Place Wear Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger seat headrests do not allow for adjustments to the hinges, requiring disassembly and replacement when the hinge becomes loose or worn, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hinge system for passenger seat headrests, comprising a first and second hinge piece connected by an adjuster that defines a pivot axis, allowing for adjustable resistance to rotation, which can be tightened or loosened without disassembling the headrest, and includes spacers and a rotation limiter for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional fixed hinges are used in headrests, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the service life is reduced and maintenance costs increase when the hinge becomes loose or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system transitions from a fixed, non-adjustable connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The adjuster mechanism allows the hinge resistance to be modified over time, enabling the same hinge to adapt to wear and loosening, thereby extending its service life without requiring replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge's rotational resistance parameter is made changeable through the adjuster mechanism. By modifying the resistance parameter, the hinge can compensate for wear and loosening that occurs during operation, maintaining proper function throughout the extended service life of the headrest.
2Ease of repair
If traditional fixed hinges are used in headrests, then the manufacturing process is simple, but replacement requires disassembly of the headrest and increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The adjuster mechanism is designed to be accessible and operable without disassembling the headrest structure. This allows maintenance personnel to service the hinge by simply adjusting the resistance parameter, eliminating the need for disassembly and reducing maintenance costs while extending service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable resistance mechanism is added to the hinge, then the service life and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge system is segmented into distinct functional components: the first hinge piece, the second hinge piece, and the adjuster mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while providing the desired adjustability and extended service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
A passenger seat headrest may be provided for a passenger seat such as but not limited to an aircraft passenger seat. The passenger seat headrest includes a main portion, a wing, and a hinge connecting the wing with the main portion such that the wing is movable relative to the main portion about at least one axis. The hinge is adjustable such that a resistance to rotation of the wing relative to the main portion is adjustable.