Vehicle Head Restraint Pivot Adjustment Without Extra Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head restraints for vehicle seats require actuation of operating elements for comfort adjustment, which compromises safety and comfort, especially in driving situations.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint system with a comfort adjustment device that allows the cushion part to be adjusted relative to the main body through a pivoting movement, featuring a control element with locked and unlocked positions, enabling one-handed operation and increased safety by preventing unintended unlocking, and utilizing a spring mechanism for enhanced adjustment force and latching positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control element with locked and unlocked positions is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is designed to be adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the head restraint system to dynamically change its operational state. This enables the system to provide easy adjustment when needed while maintaining stability during normal use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cushion part is made adjustable in both directions from extreme positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the cushion part to be adjusted into extreme positions (front extreme position and rear extreme position) that serve as preliminary states. From these extreme positions, the cushion can then be adjusted in the desired direction to reach intermediate positions. This preliminary action into extreme positions simplifies the adjustment process and improves ease of operation while maintaining full adaptability.
3Reliability
If the adjustment force is increased in the region of extreme position, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment force characteristic is made non-uniform along the adjustment path. The adjustment force is specifically increased in the region of extreme positions to ensure reliable engagement and prevent accidental displacement, while remaining lower in intermediate regions for ease of operation. This local variation in mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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 system provides intuitive and safe adjustment of the cushion part without additional operating elements, enhancing usability and safety by allowing easy movement between adjustment positions and clearly identifying the last latching position, thus reducing driver distraction during operation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring mechanism for enhanced adjustment force
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the cushion part for comfort adjustment is a pivoting movement of the cushion part about a rotational axis extending substantially horizontally
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a head restraint for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, wherein the head restraint has a cushion part facing the head of a seat occupant, a main body, and a comfort adjustment device, wherein in a usage situation of the head restraint the cushion part can be adjusted relative to the main body from a first position that is farther from the head of the seat occupant to a second position that is closer to the head of the occupant by means of the comfort adjustment device, wherein the cushion part can also be adjusted from the second position in the direction of the first position by means of the comfort adjustment device, wherein this requires a front extreme position of the cushion part to be set.