Conical Elastomer Ring for Retractable Headrest Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable headrests in vehicles, when folded, are not securely maintained to the seat backrest, leading to potential misalignment and movement during vehicle operation, affecting perceived quality and causing unsightly misalignments, especially in three-row seat configurations.
Innovation Solution
A tubular ring with a conical section and end stop is used to securely engage the headrest rod within a sheath, utilizing the conical surface to maintain the headrest in place and prevent movement, made from durable materials like natural rubber or EPDM elastomer, ensuring the headrest remains locked inside the sheath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made retractable to allow seat folding operation, then the seat folding capability is improved, but the headrest becomes unstable and may move or detach during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is inserted inside the sheath of the headrest rod, creating a nested structure where the ring engages with the sheath through its conical section. This nested configuration allows the headrest to retract into the sheath while maintaining a secure connection, preventing detachment during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring incorporates a conical section with an increasing slope that engages with the sheath. This conical geometry provides a tapered engagement surface that secures the headrest in the retracted position while allowing controlled movement during folding operations.
2Ease of operation
If the locks are deactivated to allow headrest retraction, then the headrest can be folded down, but the headrest is no longer maintained and may move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure automatically engages with the sheath when the headrest is in the retracted position, providing self-maintenance without requiring active locking mechanisms. The conical section of the ring naturally secures the headrest in place through its geometry, eliminating the need for complex locking systems.
3Device complexity
If a simple retention mechanism is used to hold the headrest, then the assembly is simple and cost-effective, but the headrest may move during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is made from elastomeric material that provides flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible yet resilient material allows the ring to engage securely with the sheath, providing reliable retention without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures.
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 effectively secures the headrest to the seat backrest, preventing movement during vehicle operation and ensuring proper alignment, enhancing perceived quality and ease of handling while being simple to assemble and durable for the vehicle's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The conical section allows the engagement and maintenance of the ring inside the sheath of the headrest, thus maintaining the headrest inside the sheath thanks to the contact with the conical surface
Implementation Method 2
The head restraint falls downwards by gravity, until it comes into contact with the backrest, near which it retracts
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Ring (1) intended for retaining a retractable headrest to a seat back, the ring (1) having a tubular shape and comprising an end section (11) provided with an annular rim (12) forming an end stop (13) and at least one conical section (14, 15) having an increasing slope from the base of the ring towards the end stop (13), said conical section (14, 15) being intended to engage partly inside a retractable headrest sleeve attached to a seat back.