Height control apparatus for headrest and chair comprising same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height control apparatuses for headrests require a significant initial operating force to control the height accurately, leading to trial and error in achieving the desired height and generating high-frequency noise due to gaps between moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A height control apparatus that incorporates a frictional force generator reacting to the user's initial operating force, combined with a haptic catch part and guide protrusions, allows precise height control without trial and error and eliminates noise by eliminating separation spaces between moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic protrusions are used to control headrest height through catch grooves, then height control function is provided, but trial and error is required and accurate height control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frictional force generator that provides frictional resistance opposing the initial operating force. This creates a feedback mechanism where the frictional force counteracts the user's input force, allowing for more precise control of the headrest height by preventing the elastic protrusions from passing through multiple catch grooves simultaneously, thereby eliminating trial and error operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing a controllable frictional force. By adjusting the frictional resistance through the frictional force generator, the system transforms the uncontrolled elastic force into a balanced system where the frictional force counteracts the initial operating force, enabling precise height control without trial and error
2Ease of operation
If separation space is provided between support member surfaces for smooth movement, then movement is facilitated, but high-frequency noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frictional force generator as an intermediary element between the support member and the headrest main body. This intermediary component provides the necessary frictional resistance to control movement while eliminating the separation space that causes noise, thereby mediating between the need for smooth movement and the need to prevent noise generation
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 apparatus enables users to accurately control the height of the headrest without trial and error, improving user convenience, and prevents the generation of high-frequency noise during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional force generator (160) coupled to front surfaces of a pair of guide protrusions (141a, 141b) to generate a frictional force corresponding to a reaction force of an initial operating force provided by a user
Implementation Method 2
the hemispherical elastic protrusions 74 are elastically caught in the plurality of catch grooves 73 while the support member 40 moves vertically, thereby restricting the height
Data Source
AI summary
A height control apparatus for a headrest, includes: an installation part formed to be recessed forward on a back surface of a headrest main body; support members provided on both left and right end portions of the installation part; a height control guide block inserted between the back surface of the headrest main body, which corresponds to the installation part, and the support member; and a frictional force generator coupled to front surfaces of a pair of guide protrusions, which correspond to both left and right end portions of the height control guide block, and being in contact with the back surface of the headrest main body, which corresponds to the installation part, to generate a frictional force corresponding to a reaction force of an initial operating force provided by a user.