Vehicle Seat Headrest Retraction Wedge Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest retraction mechanisms for vehicle seats are complex and require multiple components, which can lead to inefficiencies in operation and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified headrest retraction member design that utilizes a cable pull directly connected to an actuation component, which, when activated, moves a sliding member to disengage the locking mechanism from the headrest rods, allowing the headrest to be easily retracted into a non-use position, reducing the number of components needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical headrest retraction mechanism is used with multiple components, then the headrest can be reliably retracted, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuation component and locking member into a single integrated unit. The actuation component features a wedge face that directly engages with the locking member, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms and reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable headrest retraction functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating force transmission element and the connection link between the operating mechanism and the actuation component. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components for force transmission and positioning
2Device complexity
If a cable pull is directly connected to the actuation component, then the number of components is reduced, but the ease of operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge face of the actuation component serves as an intermediary mechanical element that converts the linear pulling force from the cable into lateral motion of the locking member. This wedge mechanism provides mechanical advantage, making it easier to disengage the locking member from the notch with cable pull force
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be movably supported rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to the wedge force from the actuation component. This dynamic design enables smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states, improving operational efficiency
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
This design reduces the number of components, enhances operational efficiency, and simplifies the retraction process, ensuring the headrest is completely unlocked before being moved into the non-use position, improving reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation component has a wedge face, wherein, in the event of a movement of the actuation component, the wedge face acts on the locking member in such a manner that the locking member and the at least one notch move out of engagement
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Headrest retraction member (100, 200, 300) for transferring a headrest (110, 210, 310) of a vehicle seat (1) from a position for use into a non-use position, the headrest retraction member (100, 200, 300) having a movably supported locking member (120, 220, 320), which can be moved into and out of engagement with at least one notch (118, 218, 318) of at least one headrest rod (112, 212, 312) of the headrest (110, 210, 310), and a movably supported actuation component (140, 240, 380) which has a wedge face (142, 242, 342). In the event of a movement of the actuation component (140, 240, 380), the wedge face (142, 242, 342) acts on the locking member (120, 220, 320) in such a manner that the locking member (120, 220, 320) and the at least one notch (118, 218, 318) move out of engagement. The actuation component (140, 240, 380) is coupled to a cable pull (162, 262, 362).