Laser-Brazed Dual-Tube Headrest Bracket for Lighter Rust Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest supports in vehicles are heavy due to thick materials and require complex and costly plating processes for anti-rusting, which increases production complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A dual-layer headrest support system comprising an inner iron tube and an outer stainless steel tube, secured by laser brazing, where the outer tube provides anti-rusting properties and encloses the inner tube to reduce weight and processing complexity, while only the outer tube requires anti-rusting treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an integral piece of metal tube with large thickness is used to ensure support strength, then the support strength is improved, but the weight of the support increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidweight of support
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the inner tube inside the outer tube, creating a dual-layer structure where the inner tube provides structural support and the outer tube provides protective functions. This nested configuration allows both tubes to have thinner walls than a single integral tube would require, significantly reducing the overall weight while maintaining necessary strength through the combined structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functions and material properties to different parts of the support structure. The inner tube is made of iron with galvanized coating for structural support, while the outer tube is made of stainless steel for corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance. This localized differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall material usage and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If an integral piece of metal tube is used to ensure support strength, then the support strength is improved, but the processing costs and complexity increase due to plating process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidprocessing complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support into two separate tube components (inner tube and outer tube) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each tube to be manufactured and treated independently according to its specific requirements, eliminating the need for complex plating processes on a single integral tube and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different material properties and treatments to different parts. The inner tube receives galvanized coating for basic corrosion protection, while the outer tube is made of stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance. This localized differentiation eliminates the need for extensive plating on the entire structure, reducing processing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the outer tube completely encloses the inner tube, then rusting prevention is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverusting preventionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the inner tube inside the outer tube, creating a protected configuration where the outer tube acts as a barrier against moisture and corrosion. This nested structure naturally provides rusting prevention while the simple insert-and-weld assembly process keeps the manufacturing complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods with laser welding to join the inner and outer tubes. This substitution provides a more reliable, permanent connection that ensures the outer tube remains tightly enclosed around the inner tube for optimal corrosion protection, while the automated laser welding process actually reduces assembly complexity compared to multiple mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 dual-layer structure achieves necessary strength with reduced weight and material usage, prevents rusting, and simplifies the production process, saving costs and materials.

Implementation Method 1

The outer tube is secured to the inner tube by laser brazing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser brazing: Laser Beam Welding

Implementation Method 2

the inner tube has undergone galvanization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanization: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentUS12115893B2Headrest bracket and seat headrest
Publication Date: 2024.10.15 GUANGZHOU ARAI AUTO PARTS CO LTD
  • US12115893B2 patent drawing
  • US12115893B2 patent drawing
  • US12115893B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A headrest support and a seat headrest in which the headrest support has a U shape and is configured for supporting a headrest. The headrest support includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The outer tube covers at least two end portions of the inner tube. The outer tube is secured to the inner tube by laser brazing.