Folding Headrest Closeout Assembly for Seat Interference Clearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folding vehicle seat mechanisms often result in interference between the headrest and adjacent seats or trim surfaces when transitioning from passenger to cargo carrying configurations, complicating design enhancements for comfort and cargo space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A folding headrest assembly with a pivot joint and support rod system that allows the headrest to rotate and fold forward, featuring openings for clearance and a closeout member to obscure the pivot joint from view, preventing interference and maintaining adjustment functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the headrest includes a folding mechanism to prevent interference with adjacent seats, then interference is prevented, but openings are created at the headrest surface which compromise aesthetic appearance and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folding mechanism components (pivot joint and support rod) from the traditional headrest structure by providing dedicated clearance openings. This allows the folding function to be implemented while maintaining the headrest's external surface integrity, as the mechanism elements are positioned to clear the surface rather than being embedded within it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a closeout member as an intermediary element that covers the opening created by the folding mechanism. This closeout member maintains the aesthetic appearance and structural integrity of the headrest surface while allowing the folding mechanism to function through the opening.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle seat is folded to maximize cargo space, then cargo carrying capability is increased, but the headrest may interfere with adjacent seats or trim surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic folding mechanism that allows the headrest to transition between upright and folded positions. The pivot joint and support rod system enables the headrest to rotate forward during cargo configuration, dynamically adjusting its position to prevent interference with adjacent seats while maintaining structural support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is designed with a folding mechanism, then adjustment functionality is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the headrest system into distinct functional components: the headrest body, the pivot joint, the support rod, and the closeout member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall folding mechanism by dividing the adjustment functionality into manageable parts that work together.
Data Source
AI summary
Folding assemblies for vehicles are described. In one aspect, a folding headrest assembly for a vehicle seat comprises a headrest having a frame. A pivot joint is coupled to the frame for rotatably supporting the headrest with respect to the vehicle seat between an upright position and a folded position. A support rod extends from the pivot joint and is configured for coupling to the vehicle seat. The headrest receives the pivot joint and a portion of the support rod, and the headrest defines an opening configured to provide clearance for the support rod as the headrest is rotated about the pivot joint relative to the support rod. A closeout member coupled to the support rod circumscribes at least an exposed portion of the pivot joint that is aligned with the opening of the headrest.