Headrest Moving Device with Strap Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest moving devices are cumbersome and heavy due to increased weight and complexity from components like solenoids or buttons used for release mechanisms, which hinder smooth actuation and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A headrest moving device with a simplified structure featuring a stay rod, rotatable or slidable bracket, first and second members connected via a strap system, a guide rod, and a latching rod, allowing for easy locking and unlocking, and a compact modular design that reduces weight and enhances actuation force transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a solenoid is used as the release member, then the headrest can be automatically released, but the weight of the device increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid (electromagnetic actuator) with a purely mechanical release mechanism consisting of a button, connecting piece, and wire. The button is connected via a wire to the braking member, allowing manual release without electrical components. This substitution eliminates the need for solenoids while maintaining the release function, thereby reducing weight and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components (button, wire, connecting piece) instead of expensive electromagnetic components (solenoid). These simple mechanical parts are easier to manufacture and replace, reducing both initial manufacturing cost and maintenance costs throughout the product lifecycle.
2Ease of manufacture
If a button is used as the release member, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the actuating force cannot be smoothly transferred because the rotating direction of the braking member is perpendicular to the pushing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting piece as an intermediary component between the button and the braking member. The connecting piece converts the perpendicular pushing motion of the button into the correct rotational motion of the braking member through its mechanical linkage design. This intermediary ensures smooth force transfer while maintaining the simplicity and low cost of the button mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting piece transforms the linear pushing motion (one-dimensional force application) into rotational motion (two-dimensional force application). By changing the dimension of force application through the mechanical linkage, the system achieves smooth actuation without requiring the button's pushing direction to align with the braking member's rotation axis.
3Ease of operation
If a complex release mechanism is used, then the release function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into simple, independent functional components: a button for user input, a wire for force transmission, a connecting piece for motion conversion, and a braking member for locking/release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple design, avoiding the need for a complex integrated mechanism while achieving the desired release functionality.
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 enables a lightweight, compact, and user-friendly headrest movement system with improved actuation force transfer, facilitating easy assembly, maintenance, and recognition of release mechanisms, while maintaining a simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring 40 coupled to the horizontal portion to be interposed between an inner surface of the ratchet member and an inner surface of the other side plate of the rotating member, in which an inner end of the return spring 40 is latched on the ratchet member and an outer end of the return spring 40 is latched on the rotating member so that an elastic force is applied to the rotating member to rotatably fold the rotating member rearward
Implementation Method 2
a braking member 50 coupled to a fixing shaft 34, both ends of which are fixed to upper portions of the both side plates to be located directly above the ratchet member, wherein the braking member brakes so that the rotating member is maintained in the upright state when the braking member is engaged with the ratchet member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a headrest moving device, and more particularly, to a headrest moving device in which one end of a strap is connected to a member to which a first member is connected, the other end of the strap is drawn out of a headrest or a seat, a guide rod configured to guide the strap is provided on the member to which the first member is connected, and a latching rod configured to latch a portion between one end and the other end of the strap is provided on the first member so that locking can be released through the strap drawn to the outside of the headrest. Thus, a user can easily recognize a way to release the locking and the first member can be smoothly rotated since the strap is smoothly guided.