Motor Vehicle Headrest Wiring Layout for Compact Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest designs face challenges in accommodating electrical wires within a small volume without hindering the adjustment of the main body, particularly in folded configurations.

Innovation Solution

The integrated circuit is fixed on the main body with power supply terminals positioned directly above the outlet, and the wires are configured to be conformable between folded and extended positions, minimizing their length and volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wires are made long to connect the circuit to the outlet, then the circuit can be fixed on the main body, but the wires occupy excessive volume and hinder the adjustment of the main body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment of main bodyVSAvoidvolume occupied by wires
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the power supply terminals from a lateral arrangement to a vertical arrangement directly above the outlet. This dimensional change allows the wires to be routed vertically through the frame structure, significantly reducing the lateral volume occupied by wires and eliminating interference with the main body's adjustment movement.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial parameters of the terminal arrangement, specifically positioning terminals vertically above the outlet rather than laterally adjacent to it. This parameter change optimizes wire routing efficiency, minimizing both wire length and the volume space required for wire accommodation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the wires are made short to minimize volume, then the adjustment space is improved, but the terminals cannot be properly connected to the outlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume occupied by wiresVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the terminals to a vertical arrangement directly above the outlet, the patent creates an optimal connection path that is both short and reliable. The vertical positioning allows wires to connect directly from the outlet upward to the terminals without excessive length or complex routing, ensuring reliable electrical connection while minimizing volume.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If the terminals are arranged laterally to facilitate connection, then the wiring is simpler, but the wires obstruct the adjustment of the main body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring simplicityVSAvoidadjustment of main body
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a lateral terminal arrangement to a vertical arrangement. This dimensional repositioning maintains wiring simplicity by providing a direct vertical path from the outlet to the terminals, while simultaneously eliminating wire obstruction of the main body's adjustment movement.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging terminals laterally adjacent to the outlet as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning terminals vertically above the outlet. This inverted arrangement resolves the conflict between wiring simplicity and adjustment freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4624250A1Headrest for a motor vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TESCA FRANCE
  • EP4624250A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624250A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4624250A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a headrest (1) for a motor vehicle seat, comprising a main body (5), a first device for actuating said main body in sliding and an integrated control circuit (8) provided with two power supply terminals (9) each connected to one of the electrical power supply wires (3) coming from an output (4), said circuit being fixed to said main body, said terminals being arranged, in longitudinal view, directly above the output (4), said wires being conformable between a folded configuration, adopted when said main body is in the maximum-high adjustment position, and a substantially rectilinear extended configuration, adopted when said main body is in the maximum-low adjustment position, so as to minimize the volume occupied by said wires in said folded configuration.