Head Restraint Release Mechanism for Spine-Safe Impact Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head restraint systems in vehicles fail to effectively prevent severe head and spine injuries during extreme maneuvers by applying excessive restraining forces that can cause further harm, and lack mechanisms to release the head restraint upon reaching a predetermined threshold force.
Innovation Solution
A head restraint unit with a pivotally coupled restraining member that rotates between positions to restrain the head, featuring a loop breaking mechanism that disengages upon exceeding a selected force threshold, allowing the head to move freely and reducing the risk of spine injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the head restraint unit applies high restraining force to prevent head movement during extreme maneuvers, then head protection is improved, but the risk of spine injury increases due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The loop breaking mechanism changes the mechanical state of the restraining loop from a closed continuous structure to an open broken structure when force exceeds the threshold. This parameter change allows the system to automatically reduce restraining force, preventing spine injury while maintaining head protection during normal extreme maneuvers.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the restraining member is rigidly fixed to prevent any head movement, then head restraint effectiveness is improved, but the system cannot adapt to extreme conditions causing spine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining loop transitions from a static closed loop to a dynamic system with a breakable connection point. The loop breaking mechanism enables the structure to adapt its configuration based on applied force, maintaining stability during normal use and providing release capability during extreme conditions that could cause spine injury.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the loop breaking mechanism is designed to break at low force threshold, then spine injury prevention is improved, but head protection effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loop breaking mechanism is designed with a specific force threshold that balances two requirements: it must be high enough to provide effective head protection during normal extreme maneuvers, yet low enough to prevent spine injury. The mechanism changes the structural state of the loop at this threshold, automatically adjusting the level of restraint applied to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A head restraint unit is configured to restrain the movement of a head of a user, and to be fixed to or to be integral with a vehicle seat. The head restraint unit includes a headrest member and two side portions extending therefrom. A restraining member is pivotally coupled to the two side portions to allow rotation between a maximal upward position and a maximal downward position. The head of the user is intended to be positioned within the confined space that is formed within the loop defined by the back portion, side portions and the head restraining member. In result to an extreme maneuver of the vehicle, the head of the user can maneuver in a non-safely manner that can damage his/her head or spine. The head restraining member is configured to restrain this extreme movement and to reduce of its risk.