Autoreactive Head Restraint Framework for Whiplash Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head restraints in vehicles lack an effective mechanism to automatically adjust and provide optimal support during crashes, potentially leading to whiplash injuries due to inadequate response to force pulses.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint system utilizing a fin ray principle with flexurally elastic flanks and deflectable cross struts, which react to force pulses by deforming in an opposite direction, forming side wings to absorb and distribute impact, thereby reducing whiplash risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional head restraint structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot automatically adjust to provide optimal support during crashes, leading to whiplash injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint structure uses the fin ray principle to enable self-adjustment during crashes. The flexible flanks and cross struts automatically deform in response to force pulses from the head, providing adaptive support without requiring external actuators or complex control systems. The structure serves itself by converting impact forces into beneficial counterpressures that reduce whiplash risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint utilizes parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation. The flexible flanks and cross struts change their geometric parameters (shape, angle, position) in response to applied forces, allowing the structure to adapt its stiffness and support characteristics dynamically. This enables the simple structure to provide optimized protection across different crash scenarios.
2Reliability
If additional actuators are added to enable automatic adjustment, then the head restraint can provide optimal support during crashes, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint achieves automatic adjustment without actuators by utilizing the passive elastic properties of its components. The flexible flanks and cross struts automatically respond to force pulses from the head, converting impact energy into beneficial counterpressures. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors, sensors, and control systems, keeping the head restraint lightweight while providing reliable automatic adjustment during crashes.
3Reliability
If additional actuators are added to enable automatic adjustment, then the head restraint can provide optimal support during crashes, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint achieves automatic adjustment without actuators by utilizing the passive elastic properties of its components. The flexible flanks and cross struts automatically respond to force pulses from the head, converting impact energy into beneficial counterpressures. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for motors, sensors, and control systems, keeping the head restraint lightweight while providing reliable automatic adjustment during crashes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the head restraint structure is made more rigid to provide better support, then the support stability improves, but the ability to absorb and distribute impact forces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint utilizes parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation. The flexible flanks and cross struts change their geometric parameters (shape, angle, position) in response to applied forces, allowing the structure to adapt its stiffness and support characteristics dynamically. This enables the simple structure to provide optimized protection across different crash scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptive system. The flexible flanks and cross struts continuously adjust their configuration in response to applied forces, enabling the structure to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation while maintaining support stability. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to be both stable and resilient simultaneously.
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 system automatically adjusts to provide enhanced safety and comfort by absorbing force pulses, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries and eliminating the need for additional actuators, resulting in a lightweight, cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
the framework structure has flexurally elastic flanks and deflectable cross struts which lie between the flanks and are arranged on the flanks via an elastic connector, as a result of which a force pulse which acts on the cross struts of the at least one framework structure via a flexurally elastic flank and which acts on a front side of the framework structure from one direction causes a compensating, autoreactive deformation of the at least one framework structure at another point in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraint with a basic structure which serves to adjust the head restraint and to receive a person's head. The basic structure has a holding structure and at least one framework structure, wherein the framework structure has flexurally elastic flanks and deflectable cross struts which lie between the flanks and are arranged on the flanks via an elastic connector, as a result of which a force pulse which acts on the cross struts of the at least one framework structure via a flexurally elastic flank and which acts on a front side of the at least one framework structure from one direction causes a compensating, autoreactive deformation of the at least one framework structure at another point in the opposite direction.