Mechanical seating device with an automatically adjusted headrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seating devices with reclining functions require manual adjustment of the headrest between positions, which can be challenging for users, especially when transitioning between sitting, reclining, and resting/sleeping positions.
Innovation Solution
A seating device with a mechanism that allows automatic adjustment of the headrest based on the user's weight distribution, using pivot points and motion resisting elements to seamlessly transition between upright, reclined, and reclined sleeping positions without the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the headrest is used, then the user can control the headrest position, but the operation becomes challenging and complex for users transitioning between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest adjustment system operates automatically based on the user's body weight distribution and backrest angle, eliminating the need for manual control. The system self-adjusts the headrest position to match the reclining angle, providing ease of operation while maintaining simple user interaction (only weight transfer and backrest reclining are needed).
Solution Approach 2:
A motion control lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the backrest frame and the headrest. This lever automatically translates backrest angle changes into corresponding headrest position adjustments, resolving the contradiction by providing automatic control through a simple mechanical mediator rather than direct manual adjustment.
2Extent of automation
If automatic headrest adjustment is implemented, then the transition between positions becomes seamless, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control lever is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to respond automatically to changes in backrest angle. The lever's pivot points and motion resisting elements create a system that naturally adjusts headrest position based on the reclining angle, achieving high automation through dynamic mechanical response rather than complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the motion control lever, pivot points, and motion resisting elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while working together to achieve seamless automatic adjustment, managing complexity through modular functional decomposition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest moves automatically with backrest angle, then the user experience is optimized, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control lever serves multiple functions: it controls headrest position, responds to backrest angle changes, and works with the user's body weight distribution. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity, as a single lever system handles multiple adjustment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or motorized adjustment systems with a purely mechanical linkage system. The motion control lever and pivot points create a mechanical relationship that automatically adapts headrest position to backrest angle, achieving versatility through simple mechanical geometry rather than complex controlled 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 smooth and automatic adjustment of the headrest support according to the user's position, providing optimal comfort in all use scenarios by redistributing body weight, eliminating the need for manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
A motion resisting element resist motion between the motion control lever and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A seating device includes a seat 4, a back frame 3 and a head frame 1 carried by a base 5. The back frame 3 is rotatably suspended in the base 5 at a first pivot point E, and the head frame 1 is hinged to an upper end of the back frame at a third pivot point A.The seating device further includes a motion control lever 7 rotatably attached to the base 5 in a fourth pivot point D. A motion resisting element resists the motion of the motion control lever 7 in relation to the base 5. A pulling element 2 extend from a fifth pivot point F at a first end of the motion control lever 7 to a sixth pivot point B on the head frame. The back frame is arranged to engage the motion control lever 7. The head frame will automatically and seamlessly find the correct position in relation to the angle of the back frame 3 and the motion of the head frame will change direction from a forward motion to a backward motion when the back frame 3 is moved from an upright position, past a reclined position and to a further reclined sleeping position.