Vehicle Seat Head Restraint Locking Sleeve for Simple Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests are complex and costly to assemble, requiring multiple components for adjustment, and lack a simple, efficient mechanism for individual adjustment to different vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with a manually actuatable lock that allows for quick and secure adjustment of one headrest rod, utilizing a biasing element and rotary knob to transition between locked and unlocked states, and incorporating guide sleeves for tolerance compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a headrest uses a mechanically adjustable mechanism with gear components, then the headrest can be adjusted to different positions, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex gear components from the headrest adjustment mechanism. Instead of using multiple interacting mechanical parts, the invention employs a simple rod that can be directly inserted and locked into guide sleeves at different positions, removing unnecessary complexity while preserving adjustability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a complex mechanism to enable movement and then locking it in place, the invention inverts the approach by designing a system where the rod is directly receivable in pre-defined lock positions within the guide sleeves. The complexity is shifted from the adjustment mechanism to the guide sleeve structure, which provides predetermined positioning points
2Reliability
If a headrest uses multiple components for adjustment mechanism, then the headrest can be securely locked at different positions, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into fewer components. The headrest rod combines both the adjustment function and the locking function in a single element. The guide sleeves integrate both guidance and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing the total component count while maintaining secure positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The guide sleeves are designed with inherent locking features that automatically engage with the headrest rod at predetermined positions. The system uses its own structural features rather than external locking components to achieve secure positioning, reducing the need for additional parts and simplifying manufacturing
3Ease of operation
If a headrest rod is manually adjustable, then individual occupants can optimize comfort, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide sleeve is segmented with multiple discrete locking positions along its length, allowing the headrest rod to be positioned at various heights. This segmentation provides individual adjustability for different occupants while keeping each individual position simple to achieve through direct insertion rather than complex mechanisms
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 assembly simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reduces component count, and enables easy, cost-effective adjustment to optimize comfort and safety for various occupants.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element (6), in particular a torsion spring
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a vehicle seat headrest that includes two roughly parallel support rods. A head cushion is, or can be, mounted on these rods. The headrest also features a locking mechanism-typically operated by hand-that locks only one of the two rods or a part of one rod. This lock includes a rotary knob, which, when turned, disengages the locking element from the rod to allow adjustment or removal.