Headrest Functional Module Integration via Elastic Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing headrests with integrated functional modules fail to meet the criteria required by ECE 17 regulations, resulting in unserviceable products.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the mounting of a functional module on a vehicle seat's supporting rod, enclosed by a housing with a cable tube for cable reception, and fastened using clips and materials like HDPE, ABS-PC, and PA 6, which allows for modular integration and reduced noise through elasticity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are integrated into headrests using prior art methods, then headrest functionality is enhanced, but the headrests fail to meet ECE 17 stability criteria and are unserviceable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional module integrationVSAvoidserviceability and regulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is divided into modular components: a supporting rod, a housing with front and rear parts, and detachable functional modules. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, ensuring serviceability while meeting stability criteria through proper fastening of each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A housing structure acts as an intermediary between the supporting rod and functional modules. The housing encloses and secures the functional module to the supporting rod, providing a stable interface that meets ECE 17 requirements while allowing the functional module to be integrated and later replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fastening means are used to ensure stability, then structural stability is improved, but operating noises increase due to lack of elasticity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoperating noises

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means incorporate elastic elements that change the mechanical parameters of the connection. The elastic components allow for controlled movement and absorption of vibrations, reducing operating noises while maintaining sufficient structural stability through the combined rigid-elastic fastening system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If modular manufacturing is implemented, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but assembly complexity increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular production capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components and assembly steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components (supporting rod, housing front part, housing rear part, and functional module) are merged into a single integrated assembly unit. The housing encloses and secures all components together, creating a unified structure that can be manufactured modularly but assembled as a complete unit, reducing the practical complexity of assembly while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10569684B2Method for manufacturing a headrest comprising an integrated functional module

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 ADIENT US LLC

AI summary

A method is provided for manufacturing a headrest. The headrest includes an integrated functional module. The method includes mounting the functional module on a supporting rod and enclosing the functional module mounted on the supporting rod with a housing (102), which is fitted on a front part (104), and a rear part (302) and introducing a cable tube (208) into a hole (502) in the front part (104) or in the rear part (302). The cable tube (208) serves for receiving a cable fastening the front part (104), the rear part (302) and the supporting rod (204) using a fastening device.