Fold-Down Headrest Support for Rear Visibility and Jam-Free Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automobile seat headrests pose a bulk that obstructs rear visibility when maneuvering in reverse, as they do not effectively fold down to a compact storage position, leading to reduced visibility and potential damage or jamming issues.

Innovation Solution

A support system integrated into the seat backrest with a fixed part and a movable part that rotates using a pivot axis constrained by elastic means, featuring a locking device with a motorized actuator to transition between use and storage positions, allowing for compact storage and improved rear visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the headrest is placed in the storage position by pivoting around an axis included in the headrest, then the bulk is reduced for rear visibility, but the headrest may cause damage or jamming when folded down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebulk of headrestVSAvoidrisk of damage or jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into a fixed part (integrated with backrest) and a movable part (rotating between use and storage positions). This segmentation allows the headrest to be decoupled from the backrest structure, enabling controlled movement and storage without damaging the integrated backrest structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest support system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with a movable part that can rotate between use and storage positions. The pivot axis and elastic means enable controlled dynamic movement, reducing bulk when stored while maintaining reliability through guided motion paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the headrest is folded down to improve rear visibility, then visibility is enhanced, but the complexity of the support system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverear visibilityVSAvoidcomplexity of support system

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device combines multiple functions into integrated components: the first locking element (fixed part) and second locking element (movable part) work together with elastic means to provide both movement control and position locking. The motorized actuator integrates actuation and locking release functions, reducing overall system complexity despite adding movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic means (first and second elastic means) provide self-service by automatically returning the locking elements to their respective positions after actuation. The system uses the stored elastic energy to reset the locking mechanism without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a locking device is added to secure the headrest in use position, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of locking device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device uses intermediate locking elements (first locking element on fixed part, second locking element on movable part) that mediate between the actuator and the headrest support structure. These locking elements provide reliable position securing while distributing the locking function across multiple simple components rather than one complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simplified approach using elastic means and opposing forces. The first elastic means opposes the first locking element, and the second elastic means opposes the second locking element, creating reliable locking through force balance rather than complex mechanical interlocks.

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

Significantly enhances rear visibility by folding the headrest into a compact position, reducing bulk and complexity while maintaining ease of use and reversibility.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot axis secured in rotation with said at least one arm, the pivot axis being constrained in rotation by a first elastic means from the position of use in the storage position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a motorized actuator configured to move the first locking element from the first to the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation:

Data Source

PatentEP4269171A1Support system for a headrest of a motor vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA

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Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c

AI summary

This disclosure relates to a headrest support system for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a fixed portion attached to the seat back and a movable portion that rotates around the fixed portion between a use position and a storage position. The movable portion includes at least one arm configured to secure the headrest and a pivot axis that is rotationally fixed to this at least one arm. The pivot axis is rotationally constrained by a first elastic means from the use position to the storage position. The fixed portion includes a locking device configured to lock the movable portion in the use position and that can unlock to allow the movable portion to rotate around the fixed portion by the first elastic means to the storage position.