Continuously adjusting headrest device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat designs, such as automobile and aircraft seats, lack continuous adjustment and locking capabilities for headrests, requiring multiple actions to lock the headrest into predefined positions, which compromises user comfort and ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A headrest adjustment mechanism featuring a cylindrical housing with spring-loaded gripping jaws and elastic elements, allowing for continuous height and lateral adjustment of the headrest rod, which can be easily locked into any desired position with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headrest is designed with predefined lockable positions, then the headrest can be secured at specific positions, but the user requires several actions to lock the headrest into those positions
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest mechanism transitions from a static predefined-position system to a dynamic continuous-adjustment system. The rod can be positioned anywhere along its travel path and locked at any position, not just predefined positions. The spring-loaded gripping jaws provide continuous engagement capability throughout the adjustment range, enabling both continuous movement and secure locking at any desired position with a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gripping jaws automatically engage with the rod when the adjustment limit is reached or when the user releases the rod. The springs provide automatic locking force without requiring additional user actions, making the system self-securing. The high-friction material on the gripping surfaces ensures automatic engagement and holding capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest lacks continuous adjustment capability, then the structure can be simpler, but the user comfort and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism allows continuous dynamic adjustment of the headrest position along the rod's longitudinal axis. The rod can be moved freely to any position within the adjustment range and locked at that position, providing continuous adaptability rather than discrete predefined positions. This dynamic capability enhances user comfort and ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gripping jaws act as an intermediary between the user's manual adjustment and the rod's positioning. The high-friction material on the gripping surfaces provides a mechanical interface that allows easy manual adjustment while maintaining secure holding at any position. The springs mediate between the user's input force and the rod's position, enabling smooth continuous adjustment.
3Reliability
If the gripping jaws use high-friction material, then the gripping capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping jaws combine a base material (providing structural integrity) with a high-friction material coating or layer (providing enhanced gripping capability). This composite construction allows the gripping surfaces to have high friction coefficients for reliable rod engagement while the overall component can be manufactured using standard processes. The high-friction material may be applied as a coating, overlay, or bonded layer on the gripping jaw surfaces.
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 continuous adjustment and secure locking of the headrest in any position, enhancing user comfort and reducing the number of required user actions for adjustment and locking, thereby improving ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
each gripping jaw includes a pad including an interior surface configured to grip a corresponding surface of the rod and an exterior surface and elastic elements respectively interposable between an interior surface of the housing and the exterior surface of the pad
Implementation Method 2
each of the elastic elements includes one of a compression spring or a tension spring
Implementation Method 3
the interior surface of the pad includes a high-friction material
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest adjustment mechanism is provided and includes a housing receptive of a rod and gripping jaws disposable in the housing to grip the rod such that the rod is securable and primarily adjustable in a height-wise dimension defined along a longitudinal axis of the rod and such that the rod is movable and pivotable in lateral dimensions defined transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod.