Fold-Forward Headrest Locking Mechanism for Behind-Seat Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests obstruct access to areas behind the seat, such as storage compartments or controls, in vehicles or aircraft, necessitating a design that enhances access without requiring the user to move from their seated position.
Innovation Solution
A headrest with a pivotally attached upper frame part that can be locked in an open position and folded down to provide access, featuring a locking mechanism with a spring-loaded push button to release the lock and allow pivotal movement between open and folded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headrest is provided in a fixed position to support the user's head, then head support and safety are improved, but access to the area behind the seat is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is designed with a movable upper frame part that can pivot between a head-supporting position and a folded position. The pivot arm allows the upper frame part to dynamically change its position, enabling the headrest to adapt between providing head support and allowing access to the area behind the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is divided into separate components: a lower frame part attached to the seat back, a pivot arm, and an upper frame part that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the upper frame part to be moved or folded without affecting the overall structure, resolving the conflict between head support and access.
2Ease of operation
If the headrest is made movable to improve access behind the seat, then access is improved, but structural stability and locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the upper frame part is positioned in the head-supporting position. The shaft and locking pin work together to self-lock the structure without requiring additional fastening operations, maintaining structural stability while allowing easy movement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler shaft-and-locking-pin arrangement. This substitution maintains structural integrity through the locking pin that secures the pivot arm to the lower frame part, while enabling easy deployment through the push-button release mechanism.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the headrest in position, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism consisting of a shaft, locking pin, and push button. This extraction allows the locking mechanism to be independently optimized for reliability while keeping the overall headrest structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded push button that automatically engages the locking pin with the pivot arm when the upper frame part is in the correct position. This self-actuating design eliminates the need for manual locking operations, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable locking.
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
Enables easy access to the area behind the seat by folding the headrest forward, improving usability and convenience for users without the need for tools or complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism may comprise a push button, for actuation by the user, the push button mounted to the shaft and the locking mechanism being spring-loaded to extend through the lower frame part, the pivot arm, and the upper frame part to lock the pivot arm and upper frame part with respect to the lower frame part
Data Source
AI summary
A seat headrest comprising: a headrest frame (11) having: a lower frame part (12) configured to be attached to a seat back; an upper frame part (14) pivotally attached to the lower frame part to be moveable between a fully open position and a folded position; a pivot arm (50) connected at a first end (51) to the upper frame part and pivotally connected at a second end (52) to the lower frame part; and a locking mechanism (40) to releasably lock the upper frame part relative to the lower frame part in the fully open position; wherein the locking mechanism comprises a shaft (42) extending through the pivot arm and the lower frame part to define a pivot axis about which the pivot arm pivots relative to the lower frame part, and wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a locking pin (41) configured to extend through the lower frame part, the pivot arm and the upper frame part to lock the pivot arm and upper frame part with respect to the lower frame part when the upper frame part is in a first, fully open, position relative to the lower frame part, and wherein actuation of the locking mechanism by a pushing action of a user causes movement of the locking pin out of engagement with the pivot arm and the upper frame part to permit pivotal movement of the arm relative to the lower frame part about the pivot axis.