Angle-adjuster for a headrest

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angle-adjusters for headrests are bulky, noisy, and limited in adjustment range due to their reliance on gear and snap-locking systems, offering only a restricted angular adjustment of 8 to 15 degrees.

Innovation Solution

A gearless angle-adjuster mechanism featuring a connection arm and fixing unit with fan-shaped blocks, a cylindrical body, and arched stop blocks that allow infinite and quiet adjustments by engaging and disengaging with inserts to control rotation, reducing bulk and component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gear and snap-locking system is used for angle adjustment, then the headrest can be positioned at specific angles, but the device becomes bulky and produces clicking noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidbulk and component count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the gear mechanism entirely from the headrest adjustment system. Instead of using a complex gear and snap-locking system, the invention employs a simple pin-and-hole positioning mechanism where pins on the adjustment arm engage with holes in the headrest support, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a locking mechanism that snaps into place (active locking), the patent uses a passive positioning approach where the pin naturally settles into the nearest available hole position. The system inverts the traditional approach by allowing free movement within limits and providing positioning only when needed, rather than requiring continuous locking and unlocking actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a snap-locking system is used for angle adjustment, then the headrest can be fixed at specific positions, but clicking noise is produced during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fixationVSAvoidclicking noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the snap-locking mechanism from the system and replaces it with a smooth pin-through-hole engagement. The pin simply passes through aligned holes in the adjustment arm and headrest support, creating position fixation without any snapping or clicking sounds during the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of noise into a benefit by using a friction-based positioning system. The slight friction between the pin and hole provides stable positioning while the smooth engagement eliminates noise. The system transforms what could be a noisy mechanical engagement into a quiet, friction-based position hold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If a gear mechanism is used for angle adjustment, then the headrest can be positioned precisely, but the adjustment range is limited to 8-15 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidadjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment range into multiple discrete hole positions distributed along the adjustment arm's path. Instead of continuous gear-based adjustment with limited range, the system provides multiple discrete positioning points (at least 3 holes) that offer both precision and extended range. Each hole represents a precise stop position, while the overall distribution of holes provides versatile adjustment coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the adjustment from a single-degree-of-freedom gear rotation to a multi-position system using the spatial arrangement of holes along the adjustment arm. By distributing holes in different positions and orientations, the system adds dimensional versatility to the adjustment mechanism, allowing broader angular coverage while maintaining precision at each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a gear and locking system is used, then the headrest can be adjusted to specific angles, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle positioningVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the gear mechanism, locking system, springs, and associated components. The positioning function is achieved with minimal components: an adjustment arm with pins, a headrest support with holes, and basic connection elements. This drastic reduction in component count simplifies the system while maintaining reliable angle positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the adjustment arm serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the headrest, enables angular adjustment through pin-hole engagement, and provides positioning precision through the distributed hole pattern. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gears, locks, and positioning mechanisms, reducing overall component quantity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3308675B1Angle-adjuster for a headrest
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 NISI
  • EP3308675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308675B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3308675B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention concerns an angle-adjuster for a headrest, comprising a connection arm (1) to the seat of a chair and a fixing unit (2) to the headrest of said chair. According to the invention, said fixing unit (2) to the headrest comprises a connection plate (21), said connection arm (1) to the seat comprises a main connection body (11) having a main through hole (12) and a hole (14) communicating with said main through hole (12). Said hole (14) houses a plurality of fan-shaped blocks (51) equally distributed along the circumference of said hole (14) and facing said main through hole (12). Between two adjacent fan-shaped blocks (51) a positioning seat (54) is defined in which a locking insert (7) is housed. The angle-adjuster comprises a stop flange (3) having a through hole and a plurality of arched stop blocks (31) projecting axially with respect to said stop flange (3) towards the inside of said main through hole (12), so as to each face a respective positioning seat (54) at a respective locking insert (7). The angle-adjuster also comprises a cylindrical body (8) extending longitudinally firmly constrained in rotation to said connection plate (21). Said cylindrical body (8) passes through said main through hole (12) of said main connection body (11), through said hole (14) and through said through hole of said stop flange (3). The portion of said inserts (7) projecting radially towards the inside of said main through hole (12) is configured to engage, through binding, with the side surface (82) of said cylindrical body (8) so as to lock the rotation of said cylindrical body (8) inside said main through hole (12) in a first direction of rotation, the rotation of said cylindrical body (8) inside said main through hole (12) in a second direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation on the other hand being allowed. The stop flange (3) can be set in rotation at a predetermined angle between said connection arm (1) and said fixing unit (2) so that said arched blocks (31) press against said inserts (7) freeing them from the binding configuration with said cylindrical body (8) and allowing the rotation of said cylindrical body (8) inside said main through hole (12) also in said first direction of rotation.