Vehicle Headrest With Wireless Headset Charging and Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern motor vehicles with autonomous driving features lack an optimally designed interior that accommodates the diverse interests of occupants, with existing entertainment systems failing to provide individualized and seamless communication due to poor integration of external devices with the vehicle's infotainment system.

Innovation Solution

A headrest system for motor vehicles that includes a support surface, a receiving recess for a headset, a detection device, a wireless charging device, and a control device to manage energy and data transmission based on headset detection, enabling easy and efficient use of wireless headsets with noise suppression, ergonomic support, and individual audio output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external entertainment devices are used for input and output of entertainment content and conversations, then entertainment functionality is provided, but the connection between external devices and the vehicle's infotainment system is basic and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the external entertainment device with the vehicle's infotainment system by providing a mounting structure that physically integrates the device into the vehicle interior. This integration enables seamless connection and unified control, allowing the external device to function as part of the vehicle's entertainment system while maintaining efficient communication and data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure acts as an intermediary between the external entertainment device and the vehicle's infotainment system. It provides standardized interfaces and connection points that facilitate efficient communication and data exchange, bridging the gap between external and internal systems without requiring complex custom wiring or integration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If communication between occupants is hampered by entertainment options, then entertainment functionality is provided, but individualized communication is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication customizationVSAvoidcommunication accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure provides locally optimized positioning for the external entertainment device, placing it at a location that balances entertainment functionality with communication accessibility. The adjustable mounting allows each occupant to customize their viewing and listening experience while maintaining the ability to engage in individual conversations without being completely blocked by entertainment content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure enables dynamic adjustment of the entertainment device's position and orientation. This dynamic capability allows occupants to adjust the device during conversations or entertainment sessions, switching between modes of use to facilitate individualized communication when needed while maintaining entertainment functionality when desired.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If such communication is audible to all occupants, then communication is provided, but individualized audio output is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio personalizationVSAvoidaudio system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure integrates audio output components that provide localized sound delivery to specific occupants. By positioning speakers and audio devices at individual seating locations through the mounting system, each occupant receives personalized audio output rather than shared audio, enabling private conversations and individualized entertainment experiences without requiring a completely complex distributed audio system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 headrest system simplifies the use of headsets, provides individualized audio experiences, and enhances communication by allowing wireless energy and data transmission, reducing noise interference and improving user interaction within the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

a charging device (50) for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to the headset (120) in the receiving recess (30)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless energy transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4331910A1Headrest, headrest system, seat device and motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4331910A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331910A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4331910A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a headrest (10) for a seat (110) for a motor vehicle (100), the headrest (10) comprising a support surface (20) for the head of an occupant of the motor vehicle (100), a receiving recess (30) for receiving a headset (120), a detection device (40) for detecting the headset (120) in the receiving recess (30), a charging device (50) for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to the headset (120) in the receiving recess (30), and a control device (60) for controlling the supply of electrical energy by the charging device (50) depending on the detection of the headset (120) by the detection device (40). The invention further relates to a headrest system (130), a motor vehicle (100), and a seat (110) for a motor vehicle (100), the seat (110) comprising a headrest (10).