Headrest Angle Adjuster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest adjusters for sofas either lack adjustability, generate noise due to gear collisions, or are bulky and costly due to the use of motors or electric components.
Innovation Solution
A headrest angle adjuster comprising a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a gear, a flexible member, and a floating positioning member that uses frictional forces to rotate the gear and engage/disengage the engaging member, allowing for silent and adjustable positioning of the headrest at any angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge is used for headrest adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the headrest can only be adjusted from fully retracted to fully unfolded state and cannot be positioned at any angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gear as an intermediary component between the hinge and headrest. The gear engages with positioning members that have multiple positioning holes, enabling the headrest to be positioned at multiple discrete angles while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without motors or complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into discrete positioning holes arranged at different angles on the positioning member. This segmentation allows the headrest to be positioned at specific angle intervals (e.g., 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°) while keeping the overall adjustment mechanism simple and manageable
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gear-based adjustment device is used to achieve angle positioning, then the headrest can be positioned at any angle, but large noises are generated due to continuous collision of teeth in the engaging structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tooth engagement function from the traditional gear system. Instead of using interlocking gear teeth that collide and generate noise, the design uses a gear that rotates freely and engages with positioning members through friction and positioning holes, eliminating the harmful tooth collision noise while retaining the angle positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of gear tooth collision into benefit by using friction between the gear surface and positioning member. The friction provides sufficient gripping force for positioning without the need for aggressive tooth engagement, thereby eliminating noise while maintaining positioning functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If a motor or electric push rod is used as power source, then the headrest can be positioned at any angle position, but the adjustment device becomes larger in size and higher in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor or push rod system with a pure mechanical friction-based rotation system. The gear rotates freely under manual input and is restrained by friction from the flexible member and positioning forces from the positioning member, eliminating the need for bulky electric components while achieving the same positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to be self-restraining through friction. The flexible member wrapped around the gear creates friction that automatically restrains rotation at desired positions without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems, thereby minimizing device size and cost
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 silent and convenient angle adjustment of the headrest at any position, reducing noise and operational complexity while maintaining the current angle position, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible member is circumferentially mounted on the gear and held between the floating positioning member and the first fixing member thereby applying frictions on the floating positioning member
Implementation Method 2
the second fixing member is hinged on the end of the first fixing member and adapted for driving the gear to rotate relative to the first fixing member by frictions
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest angle adjuster includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a gear, a flexible member, a floating positioning member, and an engaging member. The gear is configured on the first fixing member which is hinged to the second fixing member; one end of the floating positioning member is movably sleeved on the gear, a driving hole is provided on the floating positioning member, a locking hole is provided on the first fixing member, the engaging member is located in the driving hole and the locking hole, and the floating positioning member swings and pushes the engaging member to move toward a narrower end of the locking hole, thereby guiding the engaging member to engage with the gear. The headrest can be positioned at any angle, and the adjustment is silent to improve user experience.