Folding Head Restraint Mechanism with Compact Cam Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for folding head restraints of vehicle seats result in a large extension, compromising comfort and aesthetic appearance, and incur high storage costs due to the need for adapted geometry and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring a cam and locking disc housed in a compact bracket system, allowing the head restraint to pivot between usage and storage positions with reduced mechanical complexity, utilizing a cam and locking disc accommodated in housing brackets, and employing a release link for easy transition between locking and releasing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the head restraint can be folded between usage and storage positions, but the mechanism results in large extension that compromises comfort and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The cam and locking disc are integrated into a single housing bracket, combining multiple mechanical components into one compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces the overall extension of the folding mechanism, allowing the head restraint to maintain its geometric integrity while still providing folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking disc is positioned within the housing bracket, and the cam operates within the same housing, creating a nested arrangement where components are contained within one another. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint of the mechanism, preventing compromise to the head restraint's shape and aesthetic appearance.
2Ease of operation
If conventional folding mechanisms are used, then the head restraint can be folded, but the large extension results in high storage costs before mounting
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the cam and locking disc into a single housing bracket, the total volume of mechanical components is reduced. This consolidation decreases the amount of material required and reduces the storage space needed before the head restraint is mounted to the backrest, thereby lowering storage costs.
3Device complexity
If the cam and locking disc are accommodated in housing brackets, then the construction is simplified and volume is reduced, but the locking mechanism must still ensure secure positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cam features a curved profile that interacts with the locking disc to create a positive locking action. The curvature of the cam ensures that as the head restraint is positioned, the cam automatically engages with the locking disc at a specific point, providing secure positioning without requiring additional complex locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam and locking disc are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the head restraint. When the head restraint is in the correct position, the cam automatically locks with the locking disc without requiring external intervention. This self-locking mechanism maintains reliability while simplifying the overall construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for folding a head restraint for a backrest of a seat, including a head restraint and a cross portion, where the cross portion is fixed relative to the backrest. The cross portion defines a first pivot axis, which the head restraint is pivoted about. The cross portion includes a locking disc. The head restraint comprises a cam that pivots about a second pivot axis. The head restraint is configured to be positioned in a usage-position relative to the cross portion and a storage-position relative to the cross portion. The position of the head restraint is changeable between the usage-position and the storage-position by pivoting about the first pivot axis. The cam is configured to be positioned in a locking-position and a releasing-position relative to the head restraint.