Seatback-Integrated Headrest Dump Cam for Timed Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest dump and rewind assemblies lack efficient mechanisms for timed and controlled release of headrests during seatback folding, often resulting in unseated or improperly positioned headrests, which can lead to reduced safety and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with a spring-biased cam and wheel mechanism integrated into the seatback frame, utilizing a cable and pull strap actuation system to progressively disengage the headrest tubes, allowing for controlled dumping and upright resetting, ensuring synchronized movement with the seatback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional headrest dump mechanism is used, then the headrest can be released, but the release timing and control precision are insufficient, resulting in unseated or improperly positioned headrests
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with specific engagement surfaces and geometric profiles that automatically trigger headrest release at the precise moment when the seatback reaches its folded position. The preliminary positioning of the cam lobes ensures that the headrest dump action occurs exactly when needed, eliminating timing errors and ensuring reliable headrest positioning throughout the folding operation.
2Ease of operation
If the headrest is released during seatback folding, then the headrest can be dumped forward, but the control mechanism becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the release trigger, the timing control, and the force amplification needed for headrest dumping. By combining these functions into one cam element that interacts with the seatback folding motion, the design achieves efficient headrest control without requiring separate actuators, sensors, and control systems, thus reducing overall mechanism complexity.
3Extent of automation
If a spring-biased cam mechanism is used, then the headrest can be automatically reset to upright position, but the mechanism requires precise geometric alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased cam mechanism is designed to automatically reset the headrest to its upright position without external intervention. The spring stores potential energy during the headrest dump phase and automatically releases it to return the headrest to its original position, creating a self-service system that eliminates the need for separate reset actuators or manual adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving high automation while managing alignment requirements through inherent mechanical design.
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 solution enables a controlled and timed release of the headrest, ensuring it moves into a forward dump position in sync with the seatback folding, and returns to the upright position securely, enhancing safety and user convenience by maintaining the headrest's position during folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biased cam is pivotally secured to a side bracket mount location
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest assembly having a bracket mount affixed to an upper portion of a seatback frame and at least one headrest bun supporting tube pivotally secured to the bracket mount. A spring biased cam is pivotally secured to the bracket mount and, in a normally biased position, engages an underside projection of a selected one of the supporting tubes, the cam also having an outwardly projecting pin. At least one wheel shaped component is rotatably mounted to an exterior of the bracket mount in proximity to the cam, the wheel having an outer circumferential location which, upon being rotated, contacts the projecting pin causing the cam to pivot in a downward unseating direction from the supporting tube, triggering release of the headrest and supporting tubes in a forwardly rotating and dump position.