Deployable neck support disposed within an interior of a headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headrests lack a deployable neck support mechanism that can effectively extend and adjust to provide optimal neck support when the seatback is reclined, limiting comfort and customization for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A deployable neck support system housed within the headrest, featuring a primary neck support section that slides out of a housing, with inboard and outboard lateral neck supports that can independently transition from enclosed to extended positions, providing customizable support through air pressure or manual mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable neck support mechanism is added to the headrest, then neck support capability and occupant comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neck support is nested within the headrest housing in a retracted position and deploys outward when needed. The housing contains the neck support mechanism, allowing it to be stored compactly within the existing headrest structure while providing extended functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck support transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, deployable system. It can move between retracted and extended positions, adapting to different occupant needs and headrest configurations, thereby improving versatility without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the neck support is made deployable with multiple positions, then adaptability and comfort are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The neck support system incorporates spring mechanisms that automatically return the neck support to its retracted position after deployment. This self-service feature reduces the operational burden on the user, as the system partially manages its own positioning without requiring complex manual control for each adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the neck support structure is extended outward, then neck support effectiveness is improved, but volume of the headrest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The neck support is nested within the headrest housing when not in use, utilizing the existing internal volume of the headrest. This allows the support structure to extend outward when needed without permanently increasing the external dimensions or overall volume of the headrest assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck support employs a deployable structure that transitions from a compact retracted state to an extended support state only when needed. This dynamic configuration allows adequate support extension capability while maintaining a compact form factor during normal operation, avoiding permanent volume increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest comprising an external surface surrounding an interior and a deployable neck support including: a non-deployed position wherein the deployable neck support is disposed in the interior; and a deployed position wherein the deployable neck support extends out of the interior and is configured to support a neck of an occupant of a seating assembly incorporating the headrest. The headrest includes a housing disposed in the interior. In the non-deployed position, the deployable neck support is housed within the housing. In the deployed position, a primary neck support section of the deployable neck support extends out of the housing. The deployable neck support can further include an inboard lateral neck support and an outboard lateral neck support, each having an enclosed position and an extended position. In the enclosed position, the inboard lateral neck support and outboard lateral neck support are housed within the primary neck support section.