Headrest Control Apparatus with Lateral Sliding Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrests have a complex structure that makes assembly difficult and are inconvenient to use due to the need for continuous pushing of a knob to fold the headrest.
Innovation Solution
A headrest controlling apparatus with a simplified structure featuring a first fixing member and a second fixing member that include a fixing groove and protrusion, allowing for easy assembly and operation by sliding the second fixing member laterally, and a coil spring for returning the headrest to its original position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the conventional headrest uses through holes for assembling the stay, bracket, stopper, and locker, then the assembly process becomes difficult and the structure becomes complicated, but this conventional approach was traditionally used to ensure proper engagement and positioning of components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fixing mechanism into separate components: a fixing groove formed in the bracket and a fixing protrusion on the stay. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and simplifies the assembly process, as the protrusion simply needs to be inserted into the groove without requiring through holes or additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the engagement function from the traditional through-hole structure and implements it through a protrusion-groove interface. This extraction eliminates the need for through holes while maintaining the essential function of component engagement, thereby simplifying the overall structure and easing manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If the conventional headrest uses a knob that must be pushed continuously until folding is finished, then the locking mechanism can be actuated, but the operation becomes inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically returns the locking part to its engaged position after the user releases the knob. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous pushing, as the spring pre-charges during the folding motion and automatically completes the locking action when the user lets go, significantly reducing the time and effort required for operation.
3Device complexity
If the headrest controlling apparatus uses a simplified structure with fixing groove and protrusion, then assembly becomes easier and structure is simplified, but the positioning stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing protrusion is designed with an asymmetric shape that includes an inclined surface and a perpendicular surface. This asymmetric geometry ensures that the protrusion can be easily inserted into the groove in one direction while providing positive locking and preventing reverse movement, thereby maintaining positioning stability despite the simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing groove acts as an intermediary element between the stay and the bracket. It receives and secures the fixing protrusion, creating a reliable mechanical connection. The groove's geometry is designed to complement the protrusion, ensuring stable positioning while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 reduces assembly complexity, increases user convenience by eliminating continuous pushing, and minimizes volume while providing stable headrest positioning and reduced noise.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring for returning the headrest to its original position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a headrest controlling apparatus, and more particularly, to a headrest controlling apparatus which includes a first fixing member installed on a first member, and a second fixing member installed in the second member to slide in a lateral direction and configured to fix a position of the headrest, wherein one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member includes a fixing groove formed in a lateral direction, the other one includes a fixing protrusion which is inserted into the fixing groove, and the second fixing member includes a first fixing member insertion groove formed to pass therethrough in a rotational direction of the second member so that the first fixing member is inserted thereinto, and thus has a simplified structure, and the first fixing member is fitted onto the first fixing member insertion groove when an occupant pushes the second fixing member to fold a headrest, and thus, convenience of use can be increased by not continuously pushing the second fixing member.