Headrest Overload Protection Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrests lack a reliable mechanism to protect against excessive force, which can lead to damage of the drive components during adjustment, compromising safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A headrest with an overload protection system that includes a clutch mechanism and a spring-loaded locking device, which disengages from the drive when a maximum force is exceeded, redirecting the force to other parts of the headrest and preventing damage to the drive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest includes adjustment mechanisms with drive components, then the headrest offers adjustment functionality, but the drive components are vulnerable to damage from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-engineered overload protection mechanism that activates before drive components can be damaged. The coupling device includes a yieldable element (such as a deformable coupling or friction-based connection) that is designed to fail or disengage when subjected to excessive force, thereby protecting the motor and other critical drive components from damage while still allowing normal adjustment operations to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary element between the motor and the adjustment mechanism. This coupling device includes a yieldable element that acts as a mediator, allowing normal torque transmission during regular operation but disengaging or deforming when excessive force is applied, thus protecting the motor without compromising the adjustment functionality
2Reliability
If an overload protection mechanism is added to protect drive components, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the overload protection function directly into the existing coupling structure of the adjustment mechanism. The yieldable element is incorporated as part of the normal coupling between drive components, eliminating the need for separate protection devices. This merging approach adds reliability while minimizing increases in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The overload protection mechanism is designed to be self-activating based on the physical conditions of operation. The yieldable element automatically engages or disengages based on the torque or force applied, without requiring external sensors, control systems, or additional actuators. This self-service approach protects drive components while avoiding the complexity of active control systems
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 system effectively prevents damage to the drive components by absorbing excessive force, ensuring the headrest's safety and functionality by redirecting the force and allowing for safe adjustment without compromising the drive mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling device (17, 40) has a spring element (22, 44) which can be compressed in the direction of movement of the coupling device (17, 40) by a maximum force
Implementation Method 2
the coupling device (17, 40) has a spring element (22, 44) which can be compressed
Data Source
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AI summary
The restraint (10) has an adjusting part provided with drives e.g. spindle (14) and motor (15), where the drives are moved relative to a backrest by a support rod (12). One of the drives covers an adjust-rapid fixed driving device and a backrest-fixed driving device such as link body (16) and springs (22). The drives comprise an overload protection device (17) moved from a base position into a release position by exceeding maximum power that acts on the adjusting part. The drives are partly or completely released from acting on the adjustment part.