Headrest Rack Rib Notch Retention Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest adjustment racks face issues where the metal wire can unintentionally jump from one notch to another during vertical movement, especially when the headrest is moved downwards, leading to potential user safety risks and inaccuracies in height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rib projecting into each notch from the side wall, extending from the bottom to the mouth, with a through-opening in the bottom, to enhance the retention of the locking member, allowing for improved molding and secure wire positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If notches are created with flaring towards the mouth to facilitate demolding, then the molding process becomes easier, but the locking member can jump from one notch to another during vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The notch structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the flared upper portion facilitates demolding, while the rib and perpendicular edge create a retention zone that prevents the locking member from jumping. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib acts as an intermediary element between the flared notch walls and the locking member. It provides a perpendicular surface that directly engages with the locking member to prevent jumping, while the flared walls continue to serve the demolding function.
2Reliability
If the rib is extended fully across the notch width, then the locking member retention is improved, but the molding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib is strategically positioned only where needed for locking member retention, rather than extending across the entire notch width. This local application of the rib structure provides the necessary retention function while minimizing the added complexity to the mold design.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack of molded plastic having a series of notches open in a first direction, each notch having a certain width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The notches are aligned in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and each notch is defined by a bottom and by first and second side walls extending in the first direction from the bottom to a mouth of the notch. A rib projects into each notch from the first side wall, and the bottom of the notch has a through-opening arranged in correspondence with the rib.