Seat Headrest Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for adjusting the height of components, such as headrests in child safety seats, require either two-handed operation or partial disassembly, making the process time-consuming and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a carrier element with a locking mechanism that transitions between height-adjustable and non-adjustable positions via a motion link and pulling means, utilizing a dimensionally unstable element like a belt strap or cable, and a ramp-shaped adjusting element to ensure secure and user-friendly height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used for height adjustment, then secure locking is achieved, but operation requires two hands or partial disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically engages with the structure when the adjusting element is in the first position, and automatically disengages when the adjusting element moves to the second position. The system serves itself by using the vertical movement of the adjusting element to trigger the horizontal movement of the locking element through the motion link, eliminating the need for manual locking or disassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element transitions between fixed and movable states dynamically. In the first position, it is fixed and engages with the structure for secure locking. In the second position, it becomes movable horizontally along the motion link, allowing it to disengage from the structure. This dynamic behavior enables automatic locking/unlocking based on the adjusting element's position
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking element can move freely, then adjustment flexibility is improved, but involuntary movement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp shape of the adjusting element is pre-configured to guide the locking element's movement. When the adjusting element is pulled upward, the ramp surface automatically pushes the locking element horizontally along the motion link, causing it to disengage from the structure before the adjusting element reaches the top. This preliminary action ensures that locking only occurs when intentionally triggered by upward movement
Solution Approach 2:
The motion link serves as an intermediary mechanism between the adjusting element and the locking element. It converts the vertical movement of the adjusting element into horizontal movement of the locking element, ensuring that the locking element only moves when the adjusting element is intentionally pulled upward. This intermediary connection prevents any direct or involuntary movement of the locking element
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
Enables easy, one-handed height adjustment of components like headrests, preventing involuntary movement and ensuring secure locking only during intentional adjustment, thus enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the adjusting element is pulled upward by dimensionally instable means, wherein the dimensionally instable means, for instance, is a belt strap or a cable
Implementation Method 2
This may, for instance, be effected by means of a coil spring that is biased and whose spring force has to be overcome to raise the adjusting element
Implementation Method 3
the adjusting element has a ramp shape along which the locking element is urged to move from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
The object to provide a user-friendly handling for the adjustment of the height of components, in particular head rests is solved by the device for height adjustment of a component of a seat in accordance with the invention which consists of a carrier element carrying the component, a locking element designed and arranged to prohibit height adjustability in a first position and to permit height adjustability in a second position, wherein the locking element is connected with an adjusting element via a motion link, and the adjusting element is pulled upward by pulling means so as to transfer the locking element from the first position to the second position.