Finray Headrest with Autoreactive Framework for Whiplash Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current headrest designs in vehicles lack an effective mechanism to autonomously adjust and provide optimal support during both normal use and crash scenarios, particularly in preventing whiplash injuries by not utilizing the Finray principle for headrests beyond backrests.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a Finray structure into the headrest with flexible flanks and deflectable transverse struts, allowing for autoreactive deformation to adjust the headrest and form side wings that reactively change position in response to force impulses, thereby providing enhanced support and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a conventional headrest design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the headrest cannot autonomously adjust to provide optimal support during crashes and normal use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest utilizes the Finray structure that enables self-adjustment through force impulse application. When a force impulse acts on the transverse struts, the flexible flanks and deflectable cross braces automatically deform to redistribute force and optimize head support position without requiring external actuators or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest incorporates flexible flanks and deflectable cross braces that allow dynamic deformation in response to applied forces. The structure transitions from a rigid conventional design to a dynamic system that can autonomously change its configuration to accommodate head movements during both normal use and crash scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the Finray principle is integrated into the headrest with flexible flanks and deflectable cross braces, then autonomous deformation and force redistribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhiplash prevention effectivenessVSAvoidframework structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Finraw structure divides the headrest into segmented components: flexible flanks, deflectable cross braces, and transverse struts. This segmentation allows each component to independently respond to force impulses, enabling localized deformation that effectively prevents whiplash while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest framework combines materials with different mechanical properties to achieve both flexibility and strength. The flexible flanks and deflectable cross braces use composite material construction that enables controlled deformation under force while maintaining structural reliability for whiplash prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If side wings are made movable and autoreactive, then comfort is improved by adaptive positioning, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort adjustmentVSAvoidside wing positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The side wings are designed to automatically adjust their position in response to force impulses applied to the transverse struts. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or manual operation, providing comfort adaptation through autonomous deformation while reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to actively controlled movable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 Finray headrest automatically adjusts to optimize comfort and safety by redistributing force, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries through autonomous deformation and improved head support during crashes and normal use.

Implementation Method 1

a force impulse acting on the transverse struts of the at least one framework structure via a flexible flank causes a compensating autoreactive deformation of the at least one framework structure at another point in the opposite direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2697096B1Head restraint with an autoreactive framework structure
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SITECH SITZTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2697096B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2697096B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2697096B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a head restraint (100) with a basic structure which serves to adjust the head restraint (100) and to receive a person's head (K). Provision is made for the basic structure to comprise a holding structure (110) and at least one framework structure (120), wherein the framework structure (120) has flexurally elastic flanks (121, 122) and deflectable cross struts (123) which lie between the flanks (121, 122) and are arranged on the flanks (121, 122) via elastic connecting means (124), as a result of which a force pulse which acts on the cross struts (123) of the at least one framework structure (120) via a flexurally elastic flank (121) and which acts on a front side (120V) of the at least one framework structure (120) from one direction (-x) causes a compensating, autoreactive deformation of the at least one framework structure (120) at another point in the opposite direction (+x).