Vehicle Headrest Electronics for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle seat systems lack integrated power and interactive electronics that allow for user input and output functionality regardless of the headrest's mounted or separated configuration from the backrest.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat system with an electronics system coupled to the seat back, including a power supply with a battery and charging unit, a user interface, and a controller, which provides inputs and outputs through the headrest in both mounted and separated configurations, utilizing wired or wireless charging and featuring speakers, lights, screens, and tactile outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is separated from the backrest to provide flexibility and reconfigurability, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability of power supply and electronic system connectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is segmented into a detachable headrest portion and a backrest portion, allowing the headrest to be separated or mounted on the backrest. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration while maintaining functional integrity through designed connection interfaces that preserve power and data connectivity across both mounted and separated configurations.
2Ease of operation
If integrated electronics and power supply are added to enable interactive functionality, then the user engagement and convenience are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly integrates multiple functions including audio output through speakers, visual display through screens, tactile feedback through haptic elements, and wireless charging capability. These multi-functional elements are incorporated into a unified system that provides comprehensive user interaction while managing complexity through integrated design and shared power supply architecture.
3Ease of operation
If wireless charging capability is integrated to enable convenient power supply, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and energy management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless charging system comprising transmitting and receiving coils is integrated into the headrest assembly. The transmitting coil is positioned in the backrest and the receiving coil in the headrest, creating an inductive coupling pathway that enables contactless power transfer. This intermediary wireless charging mechanism provides convenient power supply while managing energy flow through coordinated control systems.
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
Enables a powered and interactive experience for vehicle occupants with the ability to receive inputs and provide outputs through the headrest in various configurations, enhancing user engagement and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply includes a battery and a charging unit
Implementation Method 2
The charging unit may charge the battery via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a backrest, and a headrest. The vehicle seat may be supplied with power so as to provide a powered experience to the vehicle seat.