Vehicle Head Restraint Assembly Pivoting Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head restraint assemblies for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms for pivoting and locking the headrest into both upright and folded positions, which complicates the conversion of rear seat areas into storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint assembly featuring a core portion with integral bearing surfaces, a stationary hub, and a lock that is pivotally moveable between engagement and disengagement positions, utilizing interference ribs and U-brackets for secure positioning, along with an adjustment mechanism involving a slide member and cable or push-button actuator for easy transition between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivoting mechanism is used for the head restraint assembly, then the headrest can be adjusted between upright and folded positions, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the lock member with engagement surfaces, the pivot member with corresponding surfaces, and the biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the lock member to its initial position after pivoting, and the engagement surfaces automatically lock into place. The system serves itself by using spring force and geometric constraints to maintain proper positioning without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If the head restraint assembly is made secure and stable in upright position, then safety is improved, but the mechanism for folding becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surfaces are designed as simple geometric features on the lock and pivot members rather than complex locking mechanisms. The patent uses basic mechanical elements (flat surfaces, cam surfaces, spring) that are simple to manufacture and maintain, achieving reliable locking without complex machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface on the lock member and corresponding surface on the pivot member use curved geometries to provide smooth engagement and disengagement. The curved surfaces allow the lock to pivot freely in the unlocked state while automatically engaging when the headrest reaches the upright position, providing stability without complex locking features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest can be easily folded for storage conversion, then versatility is improved, but the security and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to actively lock the folded position, the design uses the reverse approach: the biasing member naturally returns the headrest to the upright position, and the engagement surfaces provide passive stability. The system is designed so that stability is the default state, and folding requires active user input to overcome the spring force.
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
Enables secure and efficient pivoting of the headrest between upright and folded positions, facilitating easy conversion of rear seat areas into storage spaces while ensuring safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Interference ribs may also be disposed within each of the opening in the hub, each interference rib contacting the exterior surface of each support to create an interference fit between the supports and the hub
Implementation Method 2
a core portion having integral first bearing surfaces; a stationary hub mounted on the at least one support, the stationary hub disposed at least substantially within the core portion and pivotally supporting the core portion via the integral first bearing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraint assembly for a seat, the assembly including: At least one support for mounting a bun assembly above the seat back; a bun assembly including a core portion, the core portion having integral first bearing surfaces; a stationary hub mounted on the at least one support, the stationary hub disposed at least substantially within the core portion and pivotally supporting the core portion via the integral first bearing surfaces; and a lock pivotally supported within the core portion. The lock is selectively pivotally moveable between positions of engagement with, and disengagement from, the stationary hub. The position of engagement is characterized in that the core portion is fixed relative to the stationary hub and at least one support, and the position of disengagement is characterized in that the core portion is pivotally moveable relative to the stationary hub and at least one support.