Holding device for a headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest adjustment mechanisms are complex, costly, and require numerous components, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble, while they often lack the ability for continuous height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a clamping sleeve and a rotatable clamping ring that allows for stepless adjustment of the headrest height by rotating the clamping ring, which moves radially to clamp the rod, with adjustable clamping force via sections of different thicknesses or a wedge design, and multiple clamping jaws actuated by a single ring, integrated into a simple two-component design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism with spring and lever is used, then the headrest can be fixed at desired height, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and adjustment mechanism into a single integrated structure. The clamping sleeve integrates the clamping jaws, spring, and lever into one component, eliminating the need for separate locking and adjustment mechanisms. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to fix the headrest at desired heights reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the locking mechanism (through integrated clamping jaws) and the adjustment mechanism (through the lever and spring system). This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform what traditionally required multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a Bowden cable actuated clamping mechanism is used, then the headrest can be fixed at desired height, but the manufacturing cost increases and device complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex Bowden cable system from the design. Instead, it uses a simple lever mechanism integrated directly into the clamping sleeve that can be actuated by the user. This extraction of the unnecessary Bowden cable component significantly reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies the overall device while maintaining the ability to fix the headrest securely.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple lever system that the user can operate directly. The spring provides automatic engagement and locking without requiring complex cable actuation systems. This self-service design eliminates the need for expensive Bowden cables and associated components, making the device easier and cheaper to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If a pin on ring mechanism is used, then the headrest can be adjusted in certain stages, but continuous height adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static pin-on-ring mechanism with fixed discrete positions to a dynamic clamping sleeve system where the clamping jaws can engage with the rod at any position along its length. The lever mechanism allows continuous movement and positioning, enabling stepless height adjustment while maintaining secure fixation. This dynamic design provides both ease of operation and continuous adaptability.
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 and adjustable headrest height adjustment with reduced complexity and cost, allowing for secure fixing and easy assembly, suitable for various materials and furniture designs, including seating furniture.
Implementation Method 1
The collet is preloaded by a spring in a housing and can fix the headrest at a desired height.
Implementation Method 2
the clamping ring has sections of different thicknesses and the at least one clamping jaw can be moved radially by rotating the clamping ring
Implementation Method 3
the section of the clamping ring can also be designed in the shape of a wedge, so that the clamping force is continuously increased or reduced when the clamping ring is rotated
Data Source
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AI summary
The holding device (6) comprises a clamping sleeve, in which a rod (4) of a headrest (2) is inserted. A movable clamping jaw is formed at the clamping sleeve for clamping the rod. The clamping jaw is moved relative to the clamping sleeve over a rotatable clamping ring in the radial direction. The clamping ring is inserted in a groove-shaped receptacle between the clamping jaw and a support of the clamping sleeve. Radially deflectable locking webs are configured on the clamping sleeve, which engage behind a bar (5) on insertion of the clamping sleeve into an opening in the bar. An independent claim is included for a headrest with a bar, in which two holding devices are fixed, and the bar is padded with a cover material.