Headrest Fore-Aft Adjuster With Lateral Lock Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrest fore-aft position adjusters are complex and heavy due to the use of large parts and many processed components, such as long shafts and multiple holes, which complicates the structure and increases weight.
Innovation Solution
A simplified and lightweight headrest fore-aft position adjuster is designed, eliminating the need for a long shaft by using a lock mechanism with a lock pin and shaft that engages laterally with lock holes, allowing for adjustable fore-aft movement without extensive processing or large components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long shaft and large frame are used in the fore-aft position adjuster, then the adjusting function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement direction from fore-aft (longitudinal) to lateral (transverse). The engaging part engages with engaged parts from the lateral position, allowing the adjuster to achieve fore-aft positioning without requiring a long shaft extending in the fore-aft direction. This dimensional change reduces the overall length and simplifies the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional long shaft that extends along the fore-aft direction to achieve positioning, the patent inverts the approach by using a compact mechanism that engages laterally. The lock pin engages with lock holes through lateral engagement rather than longitudinal engagement, effectively achieving the same positioning function with a fundamentally different mechanical approach.
2Ease of operation
If a long shaft and large frame are used in the fore-aft position adjuster, then the adjusting function is achieved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the engagement direction to lateral, the patent eliminates the need for a long shaft that would add significant weight. The compact lateral engagement mechanism uses smaller components that engage from the side, reducing the mass of moving parts while maintaining the fore-aft adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of positioning from the conventional long shaft design and implements it through a simplified lateral engagement mechanism. By taking out the unnecessary longitudinal shaft and replacing it with a compact engagement system, the weight is reduced while the core adjustment function is preserved.
3Ease of operation
If many processed parts with holes and grooves are used, then the adjusting function is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment mechanism into discrete engagement elements (engaging part with engagement protrusion and engaged parts with lock holes). This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be manufactured independently with fewer complex processing requirements, compared to a single large frame with multiple integrated features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a large frame with multiple holes and grooves that require extensive processing, the patent inverts the approach by using a compact mechanism where the engaging part and engaged parts are simpler elements that engage laterally. This reduces the number and complexity of processing operations needed.
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 solution results in a more compact, lightweight, and simplified headrest fore-aft position adjuster that maintains functionality while reducing weight and complexity, ensuring comfortable and safe headrest positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member (coil spring) that biases the lock pin in a direction of pushing the lock pin into the engaged parts
Data Source
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AI summary
A forward-backward position adjusting device is provided with: a displacement body which receives the load of the head of an occupant and which is displaced in the forward-backward direction relative to a headrest pillar; and a lock mechanism which locks and unlocks the displacement body at positions in the forward-backward direction. The lock mechanism has: a latch section displaced integrally with the displacement body in the forward-backward direction; and catch sections which are provided in the path of the latch section and with which the latch section is engaged in a locked state. The latch section is adapted to be laterally engaged with the catch sections. The configuration can prevent an increase in the thickness of the headrest, and as a result, the forward-backward position adjusting device can be configured lightweight and simple.