Powered Head Restraint Electrical Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle head restraints often lack adequate adjustment features to accommodate different-sized occupants and various seating positions, limiting their effectiveness in providing appropriate support.
Innovation Solution
A powered articulating head restraint system featuring a four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotally coupled links and actuators, allowing the head support to move between fore and aft positions and adjust between upper and lower positions, ensuring optimal positioning for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a powered articulating head restraint system with four-bar linkage and actuators is implemented, then adaptability to different occupants and seating positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint system employs a four-bar linkage mechanism with actuators that enable dynamic adjustment of the head restraint to multiple positions (fore/aft and upper/lower), transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to different occupants and seating configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint is divided into separate adjustable components including the head support member, cushion, and linkage elements, allowing independent adjustment of each segment to achieve optimal positioning for various occupants
2Ease of manufacture
If linear adjustment of head restraint is provided by sliding notched support posts within apertures, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different seating positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The simple linear sliding mechanism is replaced with a powered four-bar linkage system that provides dynamic articulation and positioning capabilities, enabling the head restraint to achieve fore/aft and upper/lower positions that accommodate various seating configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The manual sliding notched post mechanism is replaced with an actuated mechanical system using motors or other actuators to drive the four-bar linkage, providing powered adjustment instead of manual operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment features are added to accommodate different occupants, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously, enabling both fore/aft positioning and upper/lower adjustment of the head restraint through a single integrated system, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each adjustment type
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple adjustment functions (fore/aft movement and upper/lower positioning) are combined into a single four-bar linkage mechanism with actuators, consolidating what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into one unified structure
Data Source
AI summary
A powered head restraint includes a base bracket with elongate supports that are configured to easily engage a seatback guide during vehicle assembly and to provide an electrical connection for adjustment actuation of the head restraint. A first electrical connector is fixedly attached to the elongate support of the head restraint. A second electrical connector is operably connected to an upper portion of the seatback such that engagement of the elongate support with a support guide occurs simultaneously with engagement of the first electrical connector with the second electrical connector.