Vehicle Headrest Rod Folding Zone Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest devices for motor vehicle seats have an unattractive folding zone that is visible, which can lead to rod tearing during violent impacts, potentially causing injury from protruding metal parts.
Innovation Solution
A headrest device with a metal rod featuring a height locking notch and a weakened folding zone, where the folding zone is positioned between the top of an interlocking structure and the bottom of an engagement edge, making it invisible and reducing the risk of rod tearing by allowing the rod to bend at the folding zone during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the folding zone is positioned in a visible location on the rod, then the rod can bend effectively during impact to prevent tearing, but the visible folding zone is unattractive and reduces aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The folding zone is extracted from the visible portion of the rod and repositioned into the hidden space between the locking structure and the engagement edge. This allows the rod to maintain a clean, uninterrupted appearance while still containing the folding zone for effective impact absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding zone is relocated from the lateral/visible dimension to the longitudinal/hidden dimension within the space between structural components. This dimensional shift conceals the folding zone while preserving its functional capability.
2Device complexity
If the folding zone is positioned close to the locking notch, then the rod structure is compact, but the rod may tear at the locking notch during violent impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the locking structure and engagement edge serves as an intermediary zone that accommodates the folding zone. This intermediary space allows the folding zone to be positioned optimally for impact absorption without compromising the locking notch integrity, effectively mediating between compactness and strength requirements.
3Shape
If the folding zone is hidden in the space between the locking structure and engagement edge, then aesthetic appearance is improved and rod tearing is prevented, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding zone is designed to remain dormant during normal operation, occupying minimal space. During impact, it dynamically activates and folds, absorbing energy. This dynamic characteristic allows the space requirement to be minimal under normal conditions while still providing adequate protection when needed.
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 solution effectively prevents rod tearing at the locking notch, maintaining safety by hiding the folding zone and ensuring the headrest functions correctly during rearward impacts without exposing harmful metal parts.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating spring of said drawer towards a blocking configuration where said edge is engaged in said notch
Implementation Method 2
the rod bends at the level of the folding zone under the effect of a violent shock applied to the rear on the headrest
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a headrest device (1) for a motor vehicle seat, said device comprising: a headrest comprising a frame (3), said frame comprising at least one metal rod (4) for mounting on a backrest (5) of said seat, said rod comprising at least one locking notch (6) in height and a weakened folding zone (7); a sliding sleeve (8) for receiving said rod; a drawer (9) mounted for radial sliding at the top of said sleeve, said drawer being provided with an engagement edge (10) in said notch; a spring (11) for actuating said drawer to a locking configuration where said edge is engaged in said notch; a fitting receiving structure (12) for said sleeve, said structure being intended to be disposed at the top of a frame of said backrest;a space (13) being provided between the top of said structure and the bottom of said edge, said folding area being located in said space when said edge is engaged in said notch.;