Adjustment device for a headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest adjustment devices are often complex and lack additional adjustment options while maintaining a simple and compact design.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device with a frame, height adjustment device, inclination adjustment device, and drive mechanism, utilizing a rod and spring elements to provide multiple adjustment positions, including a folded-back, vertical, and forward-tilted orientations, with a pivoting range of at least 100°, using a linear actuator and articulated arms for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex drive mechanism is used to provide multiple adjustment positions, then the adjustability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height adjustment function and inclination adjustment function into a single integrated drive mechanism. The linear actuator drives both the rod (for inclination) and the tube (for height) through a unified mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for separate motors and control systems for each function. This merging of functions maintains multiple adjustment positions while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear actuator serves multiple functions: it controls both the vertical height adjustment and the倾斜 inclination adjustment of the headrest. The articulated arm mechanism allows one drive device to perform what would traditionally require two independent adjustment mechanisms, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional adjustment positions are added, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities by allowing the headrest to move through multiple positions (lower folded-back, lower vertical, upper vertical, upper forward-tilted) controlled by a single linear actuator. The articulated arm mechanism enables smooth transitions between these positions through controlled movement of the rod and tube, providing dynamic versatility without requiring complex multi-motor systems for each position.
3Device complexity
If a compact design is maintained, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the rod is positioned within the tube, and the articulated arm mechanism is integrated within the existing frame structure. This nesting allows the mechanism to maintain a compact form factor while still achieving a wide adjustment range of at least 100 degrees, as the components are arranged space-efficiently without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm mechanism introduces an additional degree of freedom by combining rotational movement at the pivot axis with linear displacement of the rod. This dimensional transformation allows the system to achieve extensive adjustment range through coordinated movement in multiple dimensions rather than requiring linear extension in a single direction, maintaining compactness while expanding functionality.
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 device offers enhanced adjustability with a clear and pleasing design, allowing for a wide range of headrest positions while ensuring stable and defined movements, even under load, through the use of spring elements with varying stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, which is supported at one end on the tube and at another end on the displacement element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The adjustment device according to the invention for a headrest provides the following features: a frame; a height adjustment device comprising at least one tube, wherein a support element for attaching the headrest is coupled to a first end region of the tube and the tube is guided displaceably in the frame so that the headrest can be adjusted in height relative to the frame; an inclination adjustment device comprising a rod which is guided inside the tube and is coupled at one (upper) end to the support element, wherein a displacement of the rod relative to the tube causes a pivoting of the support element about a pivot axis and thus an adjustment of the inclination of the headrest, and at least one drive device for displacing the rod and the tube, wherein - the pivot axis about which the support element can pivot is provided at one (upper) end of the rod, - the coupling of the support element to the tube takes place via an articulated arm, which is connected in an articulated manner at one end to the tube and at another end to the support element, - and wherein an actuation of the drive device ∘ from a lower, folded-back position of the headrest initially causes a first displacement of the rod in the tube and thus a pivoting of the headrest into a vertical orientation, ∘ a further actuation of the drive device causes a joint displacement of the tube and rod into an upper position of the headrest, and ∘ a final actuation of the drive device causes a further displacement of the rod relative to the tube and thus a pivoting of the headrest into a forward-tilted position.