Headrest Guide Sleeve With Integrated Spring Slider Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide sleeves for headrest support rods in motor vehicles require more material and are complex to assemble, as they typically include separate spring elements and multiple components.
Innovation Solution
The guide sleeve integrates a resilient slider segment with a spring element, eliminating the need for a separate spring by using a specifically shaped plastic slider with arcuate or zig-zag legs that deform to provide spring action, and incorporates a locking mechanism such as a metal pin or edge to secure the headrest bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate spring elements and multiple components are used in the guide sleeve, then the locking function is reliable, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and locking segment into a single integrated slider component. The slider includes a resilient portion that acts as the spring element and a locking portion that engages with the headrest bar, eliminating the need for separate spring and locking components while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides spring biasing force through its resilient portion, engages in locking through its locking portion, and guides the headrest bar movement. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Reliability
If separate spring elements and multiple components are used in the guide sleeve, then the locking function is reliable, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spring element, locking segment, and slider body into a single integrated component, the assembly process is simplified. The slider can be installed as one piece rather than requiring separate assembly of multiple components, reducing assembly steps and complexity while maintaining reliable locking function.
3Reliability
If traditional separate spring and locking components are used, then the locking mechanism is robust, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single slider, reducing the total material required. The integrated design eliminates redundant materials from separate components while maintaining the robust locking mechanism through careful design of the resilient and locking portions within the unified structure.
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
This design reduces material usage and simplifies assembly by eliminating one component and utilizing the slider's shape to generate spring action, while ensuring secure locking and easy adjustment of the headrest bar.
Implementation Method 1
the spring elements are constituted by a resilient slider segment resting on a wall portion of the recess
Implementation Method 2
The spring action is generated by the legs which are deformed correspondingly when the slider is displaced
Data Source
AI summary
A guide sleeve for support bar of a motor vehicle seatback headrest, comprising a hollow, plastic tube fitted with an axial passage and comprising at its upper end an integral flange segment through which runs the tube's axial passage, further a slider guided in sliding manner in a flange segment aperture perpendicularly to the axis of said passage, and fitted with an external grip and an axial continuous passage which can be aligned with the stem's axial passage respectively the flange segment's aperture, the slider moreover comprising a locking segment which may be made to engage with or disengage from a snap-in notch of the support bar as a function of slider position, further with spring elements acting on the slider and biasing it toward the snap-in notches, said spring elements being constituted by a resilient, integral slider segment resting against a wall segment of the aperture.