Lateral Head Support for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive passenger seats lack integrated lateral head support, requiring passengers to separately install and manage uncomfortable or intrusive head supports, which are not easily deployable or stowable.
Innovation Solution
A selectively configurable lateral head support integrated into the passenger seat, which can be deployed for comfort and stowed when not needed, using a combination of flexible fabrics, rods, and adjustable fasteners attached to the seat back and shoulder harness, with mechanisms for easy extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lateral head support is integrated into the passenger seat, then passenger comfort is improved when the support is deployed, but the seat complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral head support is divided into separate deployable segments that can be independently configured. The support structure includes multiple connection points and modular components that can be selectively engaged, allowing the support to be divided into functional segments rather than a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral head support transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic configurable system. The support can be selectively deployed and stowed through mechanical linkages and connection mechanisms that allow movement between deployed and stowed positions, enabling the structure to adapt its configuration based on passenger needs.
2Ease of operation
If a lateral head support is made deployable and stowable, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral head support system incorporates self-servicing mechanisms where the deployment and stowing actions are performed directly by the passenger through simple manual operations. The mechanical linkages and connection points are designed to be operated without assistance, allowing the passenger to self-configure the support system according to their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral head support functionality is extracted as a separate deployable component from the main seat structure. The support can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the seat, allowing it to be taken out when needed and removed when not needed, rather than being a permanently integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lateral head support is integrated into the seat, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral head support system is designed with universal connection points and standardized interfaces that can be integrated into various seat configurations. The same basic support structure and connection mechanisms can be applied across different seat types and positions, providing multi-functionality and adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger seat for a vehicle includes a head restraint positioned at an upper portion of the passenger seat and a lateral head support selectively configurable between a deployed configuration in which the lateral head support provides lateral support for at least one side of a passenger head and a stowed configuration in which the lateral support collapses into the passenger seat such that the lateral head support no longer provides lateral support for a passenger head.