Vehicle Headrest Slotted Guide Pivoting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest designs are complex and cumbersome, particularly when adjusting both within the headrest and between the headrest and vehicle seat, limiting ergonomic positioning and obstructing the view when in a non-use position.

Innovation Solution

A headrest with a slotted guide that allows the cushion part to pivot about a horizontal axis along an adjustment path, enabling both linear and angular adjustments, simplifying the adjustment process and allowing for optimal ergonomic positioning and minimal obstruction in the non-use position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cushion part is adjusted along a linear rod guide relative to the support part, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment is cumbersome and cannot achieve optimal ergonomic positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional linear rod guide with a slotted guide having a curved or arcuate adjustment path. This curved guide enables the cushion part to pivot about a horizontal axis during adjustment, providing ergonomic positioning while maintaining structural simplicity. The curved geometry transforms linear motion into rotational motion, achieving comfortable head positioning without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Illumination intensity

If the cushion part is pushed down as far as possible to achieve unobstructed view, then the view is clear, but the ergonomic support is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview clarityVSAvoidergonomic comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the cushion part can pivot about a horizontal axis through the slotted guide. This allows the cushion to assume different angular positions: when pushed down, it provides clear view; when adjusted to intermediate positions, it maintains ergonomic head support. The dynamic pivoting capability enables the system to adapt between viewing comfort and ergonomic support based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are provided for both headrest adjustment and seat attachment adjustment, then the adaptability is high, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment versatilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal slotted guide mechanism that serves multiple functions: it guides the cushion part adjustment, enables pivoting motion, and works with the support part's rod guide system. This multi-functional design achieves both headrest adjustment and seat attachment adjustment capabilities through a single integrated mechanism, avoiding the need for separate complex adjustment systems while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2879911B1Adjustable head-rest
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 GRAMMER AG
  • EP2879911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2879911B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2e
  • EP2879911B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a head-rest (01) with a cushion part (10) which comprises at least one padded element (12) arranged on a front side and a supporting element (11) supporting the padded element (12), and with a carrying part (05) which comprises connecting means (06) for rigid fastening to/near a vehicle seat, and with a slotted guide mechanism (02) which comprises guide elements (13) and sliding elements (08) which are displaceable along the guide elements (13). The slotted guide mechanism (02) causes the cushion part (10) to be positioned on the carrying part (05) and said mechanism (02) permits an adjustment of the cushion part (10) along an adjustment path (03) between a lower functional position (10u) and an upper functional position (10o). During adjustment of the cushion part (01) along the adjustment path (03), at least some sections of the slotted guide mechanism (02) cause the cushion part (10) to pivot about a horizontal axis, changing the angular position (18) relative to the carrying part (05).