Headrest with Pivotable Lateral Regions for Multi-Axis Adjustability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle headrests lack the ability to provide a high degree of comfort and safety due to limited adjustability in supporting positions, as they often rely on fixed configurations that do not accommodate diverse occupant preferences effectively.
Innovation Solution
A headrest element with a central supporting region and pivotable lateral supporting regions, allowing adjustable angles and positions through a system of pivot axes and latching mechanisms, enabling flexible adaptation to various occupant needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration headrests are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest employs pivotable lateral supporting regions that can rotate about side pivot axes, transforming a static fixed configuration into a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the supporting surfaces to change orientation relative to the central supporting region, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical pivot mechanism rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable positions are provided, then comfort and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into a central supporting region and two separate lateral supporting regions that can be independently adjusted. Each lateral region can pivot about its own side pivot axis, allowing independent angle adjustment. This segmentation enables multiple supporting positions without requiring a single complex adjustment mechanism, distributing the complexity across simpler, independent pivot joints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral supporting regions are made pivotable, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral fastening regions are mounted at the central fastening region, combining the fastening function with the pivot mounting function. This integration allows the lateral supporting regions to be pivoted and fastened through a unified structure, simplifying assembly compared to separate mounting and fastening mechanisms. The bearing elements and latching elements work together as an integrated pivot-and-lock system.
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest element may have a central supporting region and two lateral supporting regions. The lateral supporting regions may be pivotable with respect to the central supporting region about a side pivot axis, which may run at least substantially parallel to a supporting surface of the central supporting region, in such a manner that an angle of the supporting surfaces of the lateral supporting regions can in each case be adjusted variably with respect to the supporting surface of the central supporting region. The central supporting region and the lateral supporting regions may be jointly pivotable about a transverse pivot axis, which runs at least substantially perpendicular to the side pivot axes, in such a manner that an adjustment of the supporting regions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is possible. A headrest using the headrest element is also described.