Vehicle Head Rest with Displaceable Cushion and Compliant Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head rest arrangements in vehicles are space-consuming and restrictive, particularly in slim designs, which limits their ability to provide adequate safety and comfort for passengers, especially in collisions, where they fail to effectively prevent whiplash injuries and visibility issues for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A slim head rest arrangement with a displaceable cushion portion actuated by a pulling force, utilizing a compliant material and a retractable actuator that protrudes from the outer periphery, allowing for adjustable positions without obstructing the passenger, and incorporating a lock mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional head rest arrangement is used to provide safety protection, then passenger safety is improved, but the device becomes space-consuming and restricts visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The head rest arrangement uses a dynamic displacement mechanism that allows the cushion portion to move between a retracted position (reducing volume and improving visibility) and an extended position (providing safety protection). The actuator enables the system to adapt its volume dynamically based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to be retractable and nestable within the head rest structure when not in use. This nesting principle allows the actuator to occupy minimal space during normal operation while still providing full functionality when needed, effectively reducing the overall volume requirement of the head rest arrangement.
2Reliability
If a displaceable cushion portion is added to prevent whiplash injuries, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head rest arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: a cushion portion for whiplash protection, an actuator for displacement, and a lock mechanism for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by assigning specific functions to separate elements rather than integrating them into a complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the connection between the actuator and the cushion portion. It provides a straightforward locking and unlocking system that enables easy positioning without requiring complex mechanical linkages or control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator protrudes from the outer periphery for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with changeable parameters including its material properties (soft, compliant material), its protrusion distance from the outer periphery, and its geometric shape. These parameters can be optimized to provide sufficient protrusion for easy gripping and operation while maintaining softness and compliance to eliminate the risk of accidental injury even if a passenger comes into contact with it.
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
The solution enhances passenger safety by reducing the risk of neck injuries during collisions, improves visibility for drivers, and maintains a slim design that is versatile across different vehicle models, ensuring effective protection and comfort while minimizing the risk of accidental injuries.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is made of a compliant material and is adapted to be non-obstructive, in that the actuator is adapted to yield if pushed. The actuator is operable by a pulling force to displace the cushion portion.
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a head rest arrangement for a vehicle seat (10) and a vehicle seat comprising such head rest. The head rest arrangement (20) comprises a cushion portion (21) and a back portion (22). The head rest arrangement (20) further comprises a displacement arrangement (40) enabling at least the cushion portion (21) to be displaced between at least a first and a second position with respect to the vehicle seat (10) after being mounted thereto. The displacement arrangement (40) comprising a lock mechanism (45) adapted to lock the cushion portion (21) in the first and the second position. The displacement arrangement (40) comprises an actuator (30) operable by a user to unlock the lock mechanism (45). The actuator (30) is made from a compliant material and actuated via a pulling force in a first direction.