Flexible Headrest Assembly for Adjustable Head Cradling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle headrest assemblies have limited adjustability to support a passenger's head, as they often rely on fixed posts extending from the headrest to the seatback, restricting the ability to customize head support and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headrest assembly featuring a flexible member with a top, intermediate, and lower portion, coupled with an actuation system that moves through an elongated slot in the seatback, allowing the flexible member to transition between deployed and non-deployed positions, providing adjustable support for the head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed post structure is used to couple the headrest to the seatback, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adjustability and comfort for different head positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed post structure with a flexible member that can dynamically change its configuration. The flexible member includes multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other, allowing the headrest to adapt to different head positions while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member is divided into multiple segments or sections that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion of the flexible member to adjust to different positions, providing enhanced adaptability for various head sizes and positions while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is fixed to the seatback, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ability to provide customized head support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member provides dynamic adjustment capability while maintaining structural stability through its articulated design. The member can be positioned at different configurations to support various head positions, yet each configuration maintains sufficient stability through the inherent rigidity of the segmented structure when locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in geometric parameters of the flexible member, such as the angles and positions of its segments, to accommodate different head sizes and positions. These parameter changes enable customization while the overall structural integrity is maintained through the design of the flexible member's connection points and articulation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible member with actuation system is used, then the adjustability and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible member is designed to be adjustable through mechanisms that may utilize the existing seatback adjustment systems or simple manual operations. The actuation system integrates with the seatback's existing mechanisms, allowing the flexible member to be positioned without requiring completely separate complex actuation systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible member and its actuation system are designed to work with the existing seatback adjustment mechanisms, making the system multi-functional. The same actuation mechanisms that adjust the seatback position also control the flexible member's configuration, reducing the need for additional dedicated actuators and simplifying the overall control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle headrest assembly includes a head restraint operably coupled to a vehicle seatback and having a head support surface. A flexible member includes a top portion operably coupled to the head restraint. The flexible member includes an intermediate portion adjacent the head support surface, a lower portion, and an upper back support disposed on the vehicle seatback and defining an elongated slot through which the flexible member extends. An actuation system is operably coupled to the lower portion of the flexible member. The actuation system operates to move the flexible member through the slot between a deployed position and a non-deployed position.