Vehicle Headrest Assembly with Pull Cable Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest assemblies in vehicles do not efficiently fold to prevent interference with other seats when the vehicle seat back is folded, and they often require multiple components, leading to complexity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly with a push-button and a lever rotatable by a pull cable, allowing the head restraint to move from an upright to a folded position, featuring a locking plate and trigger mechanism that disengages to facilitate folding, with a linkage system translating linear movement into rotational movement for compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional headrest folding mechanisms are used, then the headrest can be folded to prevent interference with other seats, but the mechanism requires multiple components leading to increased complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the headrest folding mechanism with the seat back folding mechanism into a single integrated system. The common rod serves both functions: it acts as the folding axis for the seat back and also controls the headrest folding through the pull cable and lever assembly. This merging eliminates separate folding mechanisms and reduces overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is the rotational axis for the seat back, it acts as a guide for the pull cable, and it provides the structural support for the headrest assembly. The pull cable system also serves dual purposes by controlling both headrest folding and seat back folding operations.
2Device complexity
If a simple headrest folding mechanism is used, then component count is reduced, but the mechanism must still reliably prevent interference with other seats when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The locking trigger and locking plate mechanism engages automatically when the headrest reaches the folded position, preventing accidental movement or interference with other seats. The spring-loaded trigger ensures positive locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest folding mechanism is self-actuating through the pull cable system. When the seat back is folded, the pull cable automatically pulls the lever, which rotates the rod and folds the headrest without requiring separate motors or actuators. The spring-loaded locking trigger provides automatic engagement.
3Ease of operation
If a push-button mechanism is used, then the headrest can be folded manually, but the mechanism requires additional components for the button and linkage
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button activation is integrated into the existing lever mechanism. The button connects to the lever through a simple link that translates linear button movement into rotational lever movement. This combines the manual activation function with the existing folding mechanism rather than adding a separate actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The link acts as an intermediary element that converts the linear motion of the push-button into the rotational motion required by the lever. This simple mechanical intermediary enables manual activation without requiring complex linkage systems or additional actuators.
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a head restraint including a push-button and a lever rotatable by a pull cable. The head restraint is moveable from an upright position to a folded position by movement of the push-button or the lever. This disclosure also relates to a seat and a method of use.