Vehicle Headrest Elastic Latching Mechanism for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests for vehicle seats lack effective mechanisms for stable and comfortable positioning, particularly in handling and maintaining the optimal position during accidents, as they fail to provide sufficient stabilization and intuitive latching sensations.
Innovation Solution
A headrest system with a reversible latching mechanism using a rotating shaft connected via an elastic component, allowing translation movement between two latching positions, and an orienting device with modular translation units for adjustable positioning, including motorized and manual options, to ensure secure and comfortable adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a headrest is made positionable and lockable at individual heights, then comfort setting is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional orienting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting device is divided into multiple independent translation units, each responsible for a specific movement direction (vertical, horizontal, lateral). This segmentation allows the complex positioning function to be achieved through simpler, modular components that can be independently controlled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with multiple translation units that enable movement in various directions (vertical, horizontal, lateral). This dynamic structure allows the headrest to adapt to different passenger needs while maintaining manageable complexity through independent control of each movement axis.
2Reliability
If a headrest is made stable in positioned and locked state, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased stabilization forces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component provides periodic stabilization through its restoring force, which acts to return the headrest to its set position when external forces are applied. This periodic action maintains stability during normal use while allowing easy repositioning when the user intentionally adjusts the headrest.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component provides a feedback mechanism through its restoring force, which automatically returns the headrest to the desired position after external forces (such as accidents) displace it. This feedback ensures stability and reliability without requiring continuous manual adjustment or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If an elastic component is added to provide stabilization, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic component serves itself by automatically providing stabilization and return forces without requiring external control systems. It self-regulates the headrest position through its inherent elastic properties, maintaining reliability while adding minimal structural complexity compared to active control systems.
4Ease of operation
If motorized translation units are provided for automatic positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized translation units operate periodically only when positioning adjustments are needed, rather than continuously. The elastic component handles continuous stabilization, allowing motors to be energized only during discrete adjustment events, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic component acts as an intermediary between the motorized translation units and the headrest positioning. It absorbs and manages the forces during positioning, allowing the motors to operate more efficiently with reduced energy input while maintaining smooth, controlled movement.
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 system provides enhanced stabilization and intuitive latching, ensuring the headrest remains securely positioned and returns to its set position without manual adjustment when external forces are applied, offering improved comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the latching element is connected to the shaft via an elastic component. The restoring force or spring action of which ensures that the positioned and locked headrest is stabilized.
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest, for a vehicle seat, is reversibly transferable between a first latching position and a second latching position by a translation movement. The headrest has a shaft co-rotating with the translation movement. The shaft is connectable in the first latching position and in the second latching position to a latching element. The latching element is connected to the shaft via an elastic component. A system for forming an alignment device which can be integrated in a headrest is further provided.