Vehicle Headrest Adjustment Mechanism with Integrated Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest adjustment mechanisms for vehicle seats are complex, costly, and pose a risk of injury due to exposed sharp edges and hard components, while lacking a compact and efficient design for height and tilt adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A height- and tilt-adjustable headrest mechanism featuring a U-shaped holding element with guide pins for height adjustment and a latching plate with a toothed profile for inclination adjustment, where the locking plate engages positively or non-positively with the toothed profile to allow for simple and compact movement, minimizing moving components and covering the adjustment mechanism within the headrest cushion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to achieve height and tilt adjustment, then the adjustment functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the height adjustment and tilt adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism. The retaining element with guide pins handles height adjustment while the same element supports the detent plate and toothed profile for tilt adjustment. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate mechanisms needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element serves multiple functions: it acts as a guide for height adjustment, supports the detent plate for tilt locking, and provides structural connection between the headrest and seat back. The actuating element also serves dual purposes by controlling both the detent plate position and the locking engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then adjustment capability is provided, but the risk of injury from exposed sharp edges and hard components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism components (detent plate, toothed profile, actuating element) are nested within the headrest structure and surrounded by the headrest cushion. The cushion material acts as a protective layer that encloses the hard mechanical components, preventing direct contact with occupants while still allowing the mechanism to function through the cushion material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest cushion, which is primarily intended for comfort, is utilized as a protective barrier against the sharp edges and hard components of the adjustment mechanism. The cushion material transforms from a purely comfort function to a dual function that also provides safety by absorbing and distributing forces that might otherwise cause injury during adjustment operations or in case of impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components are used for adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple adjustment functions into fewer components. The retaining element combines height adjustment guidance with tilt adjustment support, and the detent plate integrates both tilt locking and height locking functions. This reduction in component count simplifies manufacturing and assembly while the precision features (toothed profile engagement, guide pins) are concentrated in fewer critical components where precision is most needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2753499B1Height- and inclination-adjustable head restraint for a vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2019.04.03 ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HLDG SARL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a height- and/or inclination-adjustable head restraint (1) for a vehicle seat, which head restraint comprises at least one holding element (2), a head restraint cushion (3), a head restraint structure (17) and an inclination-adjustment mechanism (6) which comprises at least one latching plate (7), a toothed profile (8) and an actuating element (5), wherein the latching plate (7) is arranged on the holding element (2) and, in a locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism (6), engages in a form-fitting and/or frictional manner in the toothed profile (8), which is arranged on the head restraint structure (17), and wherein the lower end of the head restraint structure (17) is coupled pivotably to the holding element (2) and, upon pivoting of the head restraint (1) about the holding element (2) in a non-locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism (6), the form-fitting and/or frictional connection between the latching plate (7) and the toothed profile (8) is released and a relative movement is thereby brought about between the latching plate (7) and the toothed profile (8).