Juvenile Seat Headrest With Moving Shells for Impact Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child restraints lack effective mechanisms to minimize head impact loads during external collisions and provide adjustable headrest height for optimal comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A child restraint system featuring a hollow head cradle with movable outer and inner shells that absorb impact forces and a headrest-height controller allowing caregivers to adjust the headrest position using a push handle and actuator mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional solid head cradle is used, then structural strength is maintained, but head impact loads during external collisions are maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The head cradle is divided into an outer shell and an inner shell that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the inner shell to move separately from the outer shell during impact, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the child's head while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coordinated movement of both shells.
Solution Approach 2:
The head cradle transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic system where the inner shell can move relative to the outer shell during impact. This dynamic capability allows the cradle to adapt to impact forces by permitting controlled movement that minimizes force transmission to the child's head, rather than rigidly resisting all forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but adjustability for optimal comfort and safety is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest system incorporates a movable inner shell within the outer shell, creating a dynamic structure that can adjust its configuration. The inner shell is constrained by the outer shell during normal use to maintain stability, but can move independently during impact events to provide protection, thus achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head cradle's structural parameters change during impact events, allowing the inner shell to move relative to the outer shell. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different impact conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the controlled movement and repositioning of the inner shell components.
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 system minimizes head impact loads by allowing the head cradle to move relative to the impact force and provides adjustable headrest height for improved comfort and safety, ensuring effective protection during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
during exposure of the hollow head cradle to an external impact force
Data Source
AI summary
A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child restraint also includes a headrest mounted for up-and-down movement relative to a seat back included in the juvenile seat.