Vehicle Headrest Actuator Layout for Reduced Backrest Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrest adjusting mechanisms require significant installation space in the backrest of a seat and often necessitate dedicated design configurations, limiting flexibility and increasing costs due to the need for a motor and transmission in the backrest, which can restrict the integration of other features in modern vehicle seats.
Innovation Solution
A headrest system with an actuator that includes a spindle transmission and power drive integrated within the headrest, allowing for angled displacement of the headrest relative to the mounting bracket, reducing the need for space in the backrest and enabling easier attachment and adjustment of the headrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor and mechanical transmission are installed in the backrest for automated headrest adjustment, then automated headrest adjustment is achieved, but installation space in the backrest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor and transmission components from the backrest and relocates them to the headrest itself. The actuator assembly with motor (41) and worm gear transmission (42, 43, 44) is integrated into the headrest's internal cavity, eliminating the need for dedicated motor mounting space in the backrest structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator components are nested within the headrest structure. The motor (41) is housed inside the headrest cavity, with the worm gear transmission stages (42, 43, 44) arranged in a compact nested configuration, allowing the entire drive mechanism to fit within the headrest's internal volume.
2Reliability
If the backrest design is specified to ensure interoperability with the drive mechanism, then reliable headrest adjustment is achieved, but design flexibility and component interchangeability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket (13) serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the headrest, guides the headrest movement, and interfaces with the backrest through standardized attachment points. This multi-functional design allows the same bracket to work with different headrest and backrest configurations, enhancing interoperability without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest system is segmented into independent modular components: the headrest shell, the actuator assembly, and the mounting bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be designed, manufactured, and replaced independently, improving component interchangeability while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If dedicated working steps are added for coupling the drive mechanism to the headrest, then secure attachment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket (13) combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated component. It incorporates both the headrest mounting interface and the backrest interface in one piece, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing the number of assembly steps required to secure the drive mechanism to the headrest.
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
This solution reduces installation space requirements in the backrest, enhances flexibility in headrest adjustment, and simplifies the attachment process, allowing for more compact and cost-effective integration of headrest adjustment mechanisms in vehicle seats.
Implementation Method 1
The spindle transmission comprises a spindle and a spindle nut engaged with the spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest system comprises a headrest, a bracket to which the headrest is mounted and an actuator. The actuator is configured to displace at least a portion of the headrest relative to the bracket in a displacement direction which is transverse to a longitudinal member of the bracket. The actuator comprises a spindle transmission and a power drive coupled to the spindle transmission. The spindle transmission comprises a spindle and a spindle nut engaged with the spindle. The power drive is arranged in a cavity defined within an outer shell of the headrest.