Headrest structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing zero-gravity seat headrests have complex structures that occupy too much space, leading to a thin comfort layer and a compromised riding experience due to non-rigid connections between mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An integrated headrest structure with a lead screw motor, gear mechanism, and transmission racks, where the gear mechanism is engaged between rear cover racks and transmission racks, allowing for a more rigid and space-efficient design that enhances structural strength and comfort layer thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a composite movement mechanism consisting of lead screw-nut mechanism, gear-rack mechanism and slider mechanism is used to drive the headrest, then the headrest can be adjustable over a large stroke, but the structure becomes complex and occupies a lot of headrest layout space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest adjustment rangeVSAvoidmechanism structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the lead screw-nut mechanism and gear-rack mechanism into an integrated structure where the nut mechanism is directly connected to the gear mechanism, eliminating the need for separate slider mechanisms. The transmission racks are rigidly connected to form a unified transmission system that reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the headrest adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested arrangement where the gear mechanism is positioned within the headrest rear cover plate structure, and the transmission racks are integrated into the headrest driving seat. This nesting approach allows multiple mechanisms to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, significantly reducing the overall space required for the transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If three mechanisms (lead screw-nut mechanism, gear-rack mechanism and slider mechanism) are used to drive the headrest, then the headrest can move relative to the fixed base, but the mechanisms occupy a lot of headrest layout space which leads to a thin comfort layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest movabilityVSAvoidheadrest comfort layer thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the lead screw-nut mechanism and gear-rack mechanism into a unified transmission system with rigid connections, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by mechanical components. This consolidation frees up space within the headrest structure that can be allocated to increasing the comfort layer thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent redistributes the transmission mechanisms along the longitudinal axis of the headrest, placing the lead screw motor in the headrest driving seat and extending the transmission racks along the length of the structure. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and allows for a thicker comfort layer in the lateral dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the lead screw motor is fixed to the headrest driving seat, then the motor can drive the gear mechanism to move, but vibration and working noises occur during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor driving capabilityVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a rubber flat washer between the lead screw motor mounting bolt and the headrest driving seat structure. This rubber element acts as a vibration isolator and noise dampener, absorbing mechanical vibrations and reducing noise transmission from the motor to the headrest structure before they can propagate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rubber flat washer serves as an intermediary element between the lead screw motor and the headrest driving seat, mediating the mechanical connection while filtering out harmful vibrations and noises. This intermediary component protects the headrest structure from direct exposure to motor-induced vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 more robust and comfortable headrest with increased space for the comfort layer, reducing vibration and noise, and offering a new sensory experience with a lighter and more aesthetically pleasing design.

Implementation Method 1

the lead screw motor drives the gear mechanism to move according to a principle of a lead screw transmission mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLead screw transmission mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the gear mechanism consists of a nut mechanism, a shaft sleeve, a gear shaft and gears

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the flat washer is made of rubber. With the adoption of a fixing structure in which the bolt and the flat washer are superimposed, vibration and working noises can be reduced during operation of the lead screw motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20240351494A1Headrest structure
Publication Date: 2024.10.24 YANFENG INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US20240351494A1 patent drawing
  • US20240351494A1 patent drawing
  • US20240351494A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A headrest structure, comprising a headrest driving seat (400) fixed to a seat backrest, a lead screw motor (410), a gear mechanism (330), transmission racks (320) and a headrest part (10). The headrest structure further comprises a headrest rear cover plate (200) disposed on a rear side of the headrest part (10), wherein the headrest rear cover plate (200) is provided thereon with rear cover racks (220). The gear mechanism (330) is engaged between the rear cover racks (220) and the transmission racks (320). The lead screw motor (410) drives the gear mechanism (330) to move according to the principle of a lead screw transmission mechanism, thereby driving the headrest part (10) to move relative to the headrest driving seat (400).