Vehicle Headrest Side Support With Single-Bladder Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest designs require complex structures with multiple inflatable bodies for lateral support adjustment, making them bulky and susceptible to external interference.
Innovation Solution
A compact headrest design featuring a single hollow fluid-filled bladder behind the center part, which expands to pivot lever arm sections and adjust side parts, eliminating the need for external bladders and allowing for a more integrated, space-saving mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple inflatable bodies are used for each side part of the head rest, then lateral support adjustment is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inflatable bodies into a single integrated inflatable body that serves all side parts of the head rest. This single inflatable body is arranged in the recess between the support rods and, when inflated, simultaneously adjusts all side parts through a shared mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for separate inflatable bodies for each side part and thereby simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single inflatable body performs multiple functions by simultaneously adjusting all side parts of the head rest. It serves as a universal actuator that can position multiple side parts in different configurations, replacing the need for dedicated inflatable bodies for each individual side part adjustment function.
2Ease of operation
If inflatable bodies are arranged on the sides of the head rest, then adjustment function is implemented, but external accessibility allows interference with operation
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable body is extracted from its traditional external position on the sides of the head rest and relocated to the internal recess space between the support rods. This repositioning removes the inflatable body from external accessibility, preventing tampering while maintaining its adjustment function through the internal mechanical linkage to the side parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable body is nested within the internal structure of the head rest, specifically in the recess between the support rods. This nesting arrangement protects the inflatable body from external interference while still allowing it to function by transmitting force through the mechanical linkage to the side parts that remain externally accessible.
3Device complexity
If a single hollow body is used for adjustment, then structure is simplified and compacted, but space for mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the single inflatable body in the recess between the support rods, effectively using the space between structural elements rather than consuming additional lateral or longitudinal space. This dimensional repositioning allows the mechanism to fit within the existing footprint of the head rest assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system connecting the single inflatable body to the side parts is nested within the existing structural framework of the head rest. The linkage components are integrated into the available space between the support rods and the head rest shell, maximizing space utilization without requiring additional volume.
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 provides a simple, compact, and robust adjustment mechanism that maintains lateral support while protecting internal mechanics from external influences, using a single fluid-filled bladder to pivot side parts and reduce the overall complexity of the headrest structure.
Implementation Method 1
A compact headrest design featuring a single hollow fluid-filled bladder behind the center part, which expands to pivot lever arm sections and adjust side parts
Data Source
AI summary
A head rest for motor vehicle seats has a center part and side parts that are arranged on either side of the center part and can be adjusted relative to the center part to provide lateral support of the head. At least one hollow body that can be filled with fluid is provided, by the filling of which the at least one side part is pivoted in the direction of the area in which the head is accommodated. Two lever arms pivotable about a respective pivot axis are provided, each having a first lever arm section and a second lever arm section arranged at the opposite end of the first lever arm section. The first of the lever arm sections lie in the stroke range of the hollow body and the second of the lever arm sections cooperates with a side part.