Dual-Latch Pivot Head Restraint for Visibility and Impact Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable head restraints in vehicles face challenges such as obstructing rearward visibility, difficulty in folding due to contact with the dashboard, and limitations in sustaining higher loads during impact, while also being complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A foldable head restraint apparatus featuring a pair of brackets supported by a pivot tube with dual latches and cams that can be synchronized for easy rotation, along with a release connector system to ensure synchronized disengagement and a design with crush ribs to reduce noise and improve fit, allowing for higher load capacity and easier manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a head restraint is made foldable to improve rearward visibility and allow seat folding, then visibility and seat accessibility are improved, but the device becomes more complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is divided into multiple segments: a stationary base, a foldable cover assembly, and a cushion. The cover is separated from the base and can be folded forward independently, allowing rearward visibility while maintaining structural simplicity. This segmentation enables the foldable function without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable cover assembly is extracted as a separate, removable component from the base. The cover includes brackets, pivot tubes, latches, and cams that are integrated into a self-contained folding mechanism, while the base remains simple and stationary. This extraction allows the folding function to be implemented in a controlled manner without complicating the overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single latch mechanism is used to simplify the design, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but the load-bearing capacity during impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Two identical latch mechanisms are merged into the single cover assembly, with each latch engaged by its own cam. This dual-latch configuration doubles the load-bearing capacity compared to a single latch, while still maintaining relative simplicity because both latches are identical and can be manufactured using the same process. The latches work in parallel to secure the cover to the base.
3Strength
If a dual latch system is used to increase load-bearing capacity, then strength is improved, but the device becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
While the dual latch system provides symmetry in terms of two identical latches, the overall assembly is asymmetric in its functionality: the left and right sides of the cover can be folded independently. This asymmetric folding capability allows the dual latch system to be implemented without requiring both latches to be engaged simultaneously, simplifying the operation and reducing the perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The cams can rotate to engage or disengage the latches as needed, allowing the cover to be folded forward when required (such as during seat folding or emergency egress) and secured when not needed. This dynamic capability allows the dual latch system to provide strength when necessary while remaining easy to operate.
4Strength
If the head restraint is made rigid to sustain higher loads during impact, then safety is improved, but the device cannot be folded and obstructs rearward visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint employs a dynamic structure where the cover can change its position between folded and upright states. The pivot tubes and latches enable the cover to rotate forward for folding and then lock into place when upright. When the cover is in the upright position, the dual latch system provides rigid support to sustain impact loads, while the ability to fold forward eliminates the visibility obstruction problem.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable head restraint apparatus for connecting to a seat of a vehicle. The foldable head restraint apparatus includes a pair of brackets for being connected to a cover. A pivot tube rotatably supports the brackets along a first axis. At least one seat connector is connected to the pivot tube for non-rotatably supporting the pivot tube relative to the seat of the vehicle. A pair of latches are each non-rotatably disposed about the pivot tube adjacent to each of the brackets. A pair of cams are each rotatably connected to one of the brackets and are rotatable between a latched position and an unlatched position. At least one release connector is connected to each of the cams and is moveable for providing the rotating movement of the cams in response to movement of the release connector to provide synchronized rotation of the cams.