Vehicle Head Restraint with Non-Parallel Roof Pivot Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle head restraints often obstruct the line of sight when in use positions, particularly in vehicles with multiple seating assemblies facing different directions, as they are typically fixed to the seatbacks and do not allow for optimal positioning relative to the roof.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pivotably coupled head restraints to the vehicle roof, allowing them to pivot between stowed and use positions, with non-parallel pivot axes, enabling a spaced relationship with seatbacks and minimizing obstruction by positioning the head restraint body vehicle-downward of the stowed position, thus maintaining unobstructed sightlines through vehicle windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If head restraints are fixed to seatbacks in conventional positions, then head support function is provided, but sightline obstruction occurs particularly in vehicles with multiple seating assemblies facing different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is made dynamically positionable through a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between a first position (when seatback is in first configuration) and a second position (when seatback is in second configuration). This dynamic adjustment eliminates sightline obstruction while maintaining head support functionality for different seating orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism introduces a rotational degree of freedom, allowing the head restraint to move in an arc rather than being constrained to linear movement. This dimensional change enables the head restraint to clear sightlines while maintaining proximity to the seatback for effective head support.
2Reliability
If head restraints are positioned close to seatbacks for optimal head support, then head restraint effectiveness is improved, but sightline obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint dynamically adjusts its position relative to the seatback based on the seatback's configuration. When the seatback is in a configuration that would cause obstruction, the head restraint pivots to a different position, maintaining both effectiveness and visibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If head restraints are coupled to seatbacks, then head support is provided, but adaptability to different seating assembly orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism allows a single head restraint design to serve multiple seating orientations and configurations. The same mechanism accommodates different seatback angles and vehicle layouts, making the system universally applicable across various seating arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot mechanism enables the head restraint to adapt to different seating orientations by rotating to appropriate positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized components for different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior system of a vehicle includes first and second seating assemblies and a roof positioned vehicle-upward of the first and second seating assemblies. A first head restraint of the first seating assembly is pivotably coupled to the roof and operable to pivot relative to the roof about a first pivot axis between a stowed position and a use position vehicle-downward of the stowed position. A second head restraint of the second seating assembly is coupled to the roof and operable to pivot relative to the roof about a second pivot axis between a stowed position and a use position vehicle-downward of the stowed position. The first pivot axis is not parallel to the second pivot axis.