Adjustable Headrest Arms With Sliding Cushion for Side Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrests lack configurability to provide adequate support and an enveloping experience for the sides of the head, with limited adjustability typically restricted to height and tilt.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with a fixed base, an adjustable subassembly featuring laterally extending arms with rotatable segments, and a flexible cushion subassembly slidably coupled to the adjustment subassembly, allowing for independent up/down and forward/back adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headrests use fixed attachments of the cushion to the underlying support structure, then the structure is simple and stable, but the headrest cannot achieve a cupping shape and lacks configurability for side head support
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into multiple independent lateral arms (typically four arms) that can be independently adjusted. Each arm includes segments that can be independently positioned, allowing the headrest to be segmented into adjustable components rather than a fixed monolithic structure. This segmentation enables the cupping shape and side head support configurability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The lateral arms incorporate adjustment mechanisms (such as friction-based or spring-based systems) that allow the arms to be moved between fixed positions, enabling the headrest to dynamically adapt to different user preferences and anatomical dimensions while maintaining stability when positioned.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headrests provide limited adjustability restricted to height and tilt, then the device complexity is low, but the comfort and support for various user preferences and anatomical dimensions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into multiple independent control points - height adjustment, tilt adjustment, and lateral arm adjustments. Each segment can be independently controlled, allowing users to customize different aspects of headrest positioning without requiring complex integrated control systems. This modular adjustment approach increases adaptability while keeping each adjustment mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable cupping shape formation, offer side head support, and allow configurability for different user preferences. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single structural element performs multiple roles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headrests use fixed cushion attachments, then the manufacturing is simple, but the headrest cannot provide an enveloping experience for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion attachment system is segmented into multiple attachment points corresponding to each lateral arm position. Rather than a single fixed attachment, the cushion connects to multiple adjustable arm positions, enabling the enveloping shape while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized connection points and components.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable headrest (100) for a seat (128) such as an aircraft passenger seat. In embodiments, the headrest includes an adjustment subassembly (104) including a plurality of independently adjustable lateral support arms (112). Each support arm includes at least one articulating segment (114). A cushion subassembly (106) is mounted to the adjustment subassembly by way of slidable couplings to prevent puckering in the cushion subassembly when the lateral arms are adjusted forward. In embodiments, the lateral support arms are grouped into upper and lower pairs of lateral arms wherein the lateral arms in the lower pair have a longer length as compared to the lateral arms in the upper pair to support the cheek and jaw of a user.