Foldable Headrest with Strut Structure for Armoured Vehicle Crash Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest solutions are not suitable for combat vehicles with hatches, as they cannot be easily adapted for 'driving under' and 'driving over' positions due to space constraints, and do not provide adequate protection for crew members in crash scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A foldable or pivotable headrest with a strut structure, automatically transitioning between open and folded states based on the hatch's position, featuring a bracket for secure stowage and resilient actuating elements to ensure unhindered hatch operation, with mechanical locking for crash force absorption and optional padding for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed headrest is installed in combat vehicles with hatches, then cervical protection is provided, but the headrest cannot be adapted for both 'driving under' and 'driving over' positions due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its configuration between extended and retracted states. The strut structure with pivotable connections allows the headrest to adapt its position and size according to the driving mode (under hatch or over hatch), providing cervical protection only when needed while minimizing space consumption during normal operation.
2Volume of moving object
If a retractable headrest is provided, then space is saved, but adequate protection for crew members in crash scenarios is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is automatically extended in advance when a crash situation is detected or when transitioning to over-hatch driving mode. This preliminary action ensures that cervical protection is already in place before the actual impact occurs, maximizing protection effectiveness while maintaining a retracted state during normal operation to save space.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest employs a strut structure with articulated connections that allow it to deploy rapidly into a protective configuration. The mechanical linkage system enables smooth transition between retracted and extended states, ensuring reliable deployment for crash protection while minimizing the headrest's volume during normal vehicle operation.
3Reliability
If a foldable headrest with automatic deployment is implemented, then crash safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest mechanism is integrated with the existing seat structure and hatch control systems. The strut connections are pivotably coupled to both the seat and the hatch mechanism, allowing the headrest to be deployed automatically when the hatch is opened or when a crash is detected, without requiring separate complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest system is designed to deploy automatically based on pre-set conditions (hatch opening or crash detection) without requiring manual intervention from the crew. The mechanical linkage and resilient elements enable self-actuation, reducing the need for complex electronic controls while ensuring reliable deployment for crash protection.
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
Enhances crash safety by preventing cervical overstretching during crashes while maintaining space efficiency and allowing easy retrofitting, applicable not only to combat vehicles but also to other vehicles where cervical protection is needed, with automatic deployment in crash situations.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a bracket for secure stowage and resilient actuating elements to ensure unhindered hatch operation
Data Source
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AI summary
The headrest (1) is able to be lowered or pivoted in the folded state and only brought into an open state when required. The headrest can be lowered in a holder (2) on the vehicle or pivoted forwards or rearwards on it. The headrest has a rigid or flexible strut structure (6).