Headrest with Slidably Coupled Cushion and Adjustable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrests lack configurability to provide adequate support and an enveloping experience for the sides of the head, with limited adjustability typically restricted to height and tilt.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly featuring a fixed base, an adjustable subassembly with laterally extending arms, and a cushion subassembly that is slidably coupled to the adjustment subassembly, allowing for independent up/down and forward/back adjustments to achieve a customizable cupping shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional headrests use fixed attachments of the cushion to the underlying support structure, then the structure is simple and stable, but the headrest cannot achieve a cupping shape and lacks configurability for side head support
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into multiple independent segments: a fixed base, an adjustable base with up/down movement, and multiple lateral arms that can independently fold forward and back. Each segment can be adjusted separately to create different configurations, including the cupping shape for side head support.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest transitions from a static fixed attachment structure to a dynamic system where the cushion is slidably coupled to the adjustment subassembly. The lateral arms can move between stowed and deployed positions, and the adjustable base can move vertically, allowing the structure to adapt its shape and configuration.
2Ease of operation
If conventional headrests provide limited adjustability restricted to height and tilt, then the device complexity is low, but the comfort and enveloping experience for the sides of the head are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent control systems: vertical adjustment of the adjustable base, and independent forward/back folding of each lateral arm. This segmentation allows complex adjustments to be made through simple, localized operations rather than requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest adds a new dimension of adjustment by allowing the lateral arms to fold forward and back, creating a cupping shape that envelops the sides of the head. This adds lateral envelopment capability beyond the traditional vertical height and tilt adjustments.
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 headrest assembly provides enhanced configurability and support for the sides of the head, offering an enveloping experience that improves comfort and usability, particularly in long-range aircraft travel.
Implementation Method 1
each arm including a segment rotatably connected to the adjustable base
Implementation Method 2
a cushion subassembly slidably coupled to the adjustment assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable headrest for a seat such as an aircraft passenger seat. In embodiments, the headrest includes an adjustment subassembly including a plurality of independently adjustable support arms. Each support arm includes at least one articulating segment. A cushion subassembly is mounted to the adjustment subassembly by way of slidable couplings to prevent puckering in the cushion subassembly when the lateral arms are adjusted forward. In embodiments, the lateral arms are grouped into upper and lower pairs of lateral arms wherein the lateral arms in the lower pair have a longer length as compared to the lateral arms in the upper pair to support the cheek and jaw of a user.