Gesture-Unlocked Vehicle Headrest Adjustment With Power Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle headrest adjustment systems are cumbersome, as they require physically locating and depressing a release button, which can be difficult, especially when the headrest is in a lowered position, and do not allow for safe adjustment while driving, posing challenges for comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A motion sensor system with a smart lock mechanism that detects hand gestures to unlock and lock the headrest, combined with touch sensors and a power-assist system using force sensors and motors to facilitate intuitive and safe adjustment, ensuring the headrest is only adjusted when it is safe to do so.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a physical release button is used for headrest adjustment, then the headrest can be locked and adjusted, but the button is difficult to locate and depress, especially when the headrest is in a lowered position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical release button system with a sensor-based detection system. Motion sensors detect hand gestures approaching the headrest area, and touch sensors detect contact with the headrest, eliminating the need for a physical button that requires manual location and depression. This substitution resolves the contradiction by making the adjustment mechanism detectable and operable without requiring the user to locate and manipulate a hidden button.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces motion sensors and touch sensors as intermediaries between the user and the headrest adjustment mechanism. These sensors act as mediators that detect user intent through gestures and contact, translating physical actions into control signals for the adjustment mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for direct button interaction.
2Ease of operation
If a release button is provided near the headrest attachment point, then the headrest can be adjusted, but the button becomes obscured when the headrest is pushed down flush with the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the obscured mechanical button with a sensor-based system that detects gestures and contact in the headrest area. The motion sensors can detect hand movements approaching the headrest from various positions, and touch sensors detect contact regardless of the headrest's vertical position, ensuring the adjustment function remains accessible even when the headrest is lowered flush with the seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional button interface on the seat surface to a three-dimensional gesture recognition system. Motion sensors detect hand movements in three-dimensional space around the headrest, allowing users to initiate adjustment from various positions without requiring the control interface to be visible or accessible on the seat surface.
3Ease of operation
If continuous depression of the release button is required during adjustment, then the headrest remains unlocked, but the user cannot see the button when their head is against the headrest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous button depression requirement with an automated sensor-based system. Motion sensors detect when the user's hands are near the headrest, and touch sensors detect contact, automatically initiating and maintaining the unlocked state during adjustment. This eliminates the need for continuous manual button depression and the complex coordination of seeing and manipulating the button simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user intent through motion and touch sensors, automatically unlocking the headrest mechanism, and maintaining the unlocked state during adjustment. The system monitors for completion of adjustment and automatically re-locks when appropriate, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention and complex manual operation sequences.
4Ease of operation
If traditional headrest adjustment systems are used, then the headrest can be adjusted manually, but adjustment while driving is not prevented, creating safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through motion sensors that continuously monitor user gestures and vehicle conditions. The system can detect when the vehicle is in motion through integrated vehicle sensors and provide feedback by preventing headrest adjustment during driving. The motion sensors detect hand gestures approaching the headrest, and the system evaluates whether adjustment is safe before allowing it, creating a feedback loop that ensures safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the headrest adjustment mechanism based on real-time conditions. The system transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on sensor input, vehicle motion status, and detected user intent. This dynamic behavior allows adjustment only when safe conditions are met, preventing adjustment while driving while maintaining ease of operation when stationary.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for improved and intuitive adjustment of a vehicle headrest. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may include touch sensors and/or motion sensors to determine a driver or passenger intends to adjust a vehicle headrest. Upon detection of touch consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest and/or a hand gesture consistent with intent to adjust a vehicle headrest, a system may unlock a vehicle headrest. A driver or passenger may move the unlocked vehicle headrest into the desired position. Upon detection of a condition indicating the driver or passenger is finished and/or upon a set period of time elapsing, the system may re-lock the vehicle headrest into place. A vehicle headrest adjustment system may also include a power-assist function. The power-assist function may include motors and force sensors to assist a driver or passenger in moving a vehicle headrest into a desired position.