Elastic Headrest Cover with Shifted Side Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest protective covers lack adaptability to the diverse shapes of headrests across different vehicle models, resulting in unsatisfactory fits.

Innovation Solution

The protective cover features elastic side sections with downward-shifted side openings and stretchable seams, optionally with a tunnel collar and drawstring for adjustable fit, and a Velcro closure for the pull-over opening to ensure a snug fit on various headrest shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a universal headrest protective cover design is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different headrest shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidadaptability to headrest shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side sections of the protective cover are designed with elastic stretchability of at least 50% in all directions, allowing the cover to dynamically adapt to different headrest shapes and sizes. This elastic property enables a single universal cover design to conform to various headrest geometries without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the cover material by selecting fabrics with high elastic stretchability (at least 50% in all directions). This parameter change allows the material to deform and adapt to different headrest shapes while maintaining coverage, resolving the contradiction between universal design and shape adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the side openings are positioned centrally in the side sections, then the structure is simplified, but the fit and adaptability to headrest shape deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidfit to headrest shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side openings are strategically positioned in the lower region of the side sections rather than centrally, creating a local quality difference that accommodates the typical geometry of headrests. This non-uniform positioning allows the cover to better conform to the actual shape of headrests while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If elastic stretchable material is used for the protective cover, then adaptability to different headrest shapes is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to headrest shapeVSAvoidseaming and construction precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the fabric must have an elastic stretchability of at least 50% in all directions, which is a clear material parameter requirement. This quantified parameter guides material selection and helps standardize the manufacturing process, reducing the impact of precision variations while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides improved adaptability and a secure fit to the exact shape of the headrest, accommodating different headrest models with enhanced flexibility and adjustability.

Implementation Method 1

The fabric of the protective cover is elastically stretchable. The elastic extensibility is preferably more than 50% in all directions.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3798051B1Head support protective cover
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 WALSER HANS KARL
  • EP3798051B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3798051B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

A headrest cover for a motor vehicle seat, with a pull-over opening (4) for fitting the cover over the headrest, has a front section (1) for fitting against the front of the headrest, a back section (2) for fitting against the back of the headrest, and left and right side sections (3) for fitting against the left and right narrow sides of the headrest. The left and right side sections (3) of the cover each have a side opening (7).