Vehicle Headrest Sliding Device with Inverted Release Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest sliding devices require significant force to release the ratchet locking mechanism and often result in increased size due to misalignment of pressing points, affecting the thickness and durability of the device.
Innovation Solution
A headrest sliding device with a ratchet and release lever supported by a movable side link, where the release protrusion is lifted to release the locking mechanism, allowing for easy operation with minimal force and enabling miniaturization by maintaining consistent pressing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shaft unit is pushed along the direction of the rotating axis of the poles to release locking, then the locking can be released, but a large initial force must be applied since the shaft unit must be slided along the right angle direction with respect to the pressing force of the poles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the shaft unit along the rotating axis direction (conventional approach), the invention applies force in the opposite direction - pushing the shaft unit along the axis of the pressing force. This inversion of the force application direction allows the pressing force to directly translate into lifting motion of the poles, eliminating the need for large initial forces required by the right-angle sliding mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the lever member is supported at the second link which is a movable part, then the mechanism can operate, but the point in the stopping protrusion where the pressing portion should press becomes different during the process of releasing the gearing, therefore the stopping protrusion must be externally protruded long in length which affects the limited thickness of the headrest
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the support point of the lever member dynamic by locating it on the movable second link rather than a fixed structure. This allows the lever to adapt its position during operation, maintaining optimal pressing geometry throughout the releasing process. Combined with supporting the pole at the movable lower side link, this dynamic configuration keeps the pressing point consistent, eliminating the need for an excessively long stopping protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support functions by locating both the lever member and the pole on movable parts (second link and lower side link respectively). This merging of movable support points ensures that the relative positions remain consistent during operation, allowing the pressing portion to effectively engage the stopping protrusion without requiring excessive length.
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 allows for easy and efficient locking release with reduced operational force, enhances durability by eliminating the need for large initial forces, and facilitates miniaturization by maintaining consistent pressing positions, thereby improving user convenience and device compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring for applying a restoring force to the front side link with respect to the lower side bracket
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet disposed in either one of the left side link and the right side link so as to be engaged with the teeth
Implementation Method 3
a release lever which is supported at the side link wherein the ratchet is supported, and releases the gearing state by lifting up the release protrusion when an external force is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sliding a headrest towards the front direction includes a ratchet and a release lever installed in a side link which is a movable part. A release protrusion is formed in the ratchet and disposed almost in parallel with the hinge shaft of the ratchet. The release protrusion of the ratchet is pushed up to release the locking so that the headrest is returned to its original position.