Modular Folding Head Restraint Assembly With Integrated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating head restraints are complex and costly due to numerous components requiring individual assembly, and they often obstruct the driver's view or interfere with seat folding mechanisms, necessitating additional storage or removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular articulating head restraint system with fewer components, featuring a pivot shaft, locking assembly, and a modular bracket that standardizes components while allowing customization through auxiliary components, enabling easier assembly and integration with vehicle seats, and facilitating folding without additional storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable head restraint system is implemented, then the head restraint can be folded forward to allow passenger entry, but the system becomes more complex and expensive due to additional components requiring individual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (head restraint support, locking mechanism, pivot shaft, and bracket) into an integrated assembly where the bracket houses both the pivot shaft and locking assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts that require individual assembly, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining foldable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular bracket serves multiple functions: it mounts the head restraint assembly to the vehicle seat, receives and contains the pivot shaft, houses the locking assembly, and supports the head restraint supports. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall system while enabling seat folding capability.
2Device complexity
If a traditional head restraint is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it obstructs the driver's view when looking rearward and interferes with seat folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is designed with dynamic capability to pivot between an upright position (for normal use) and a folded position (for rearward viewing and seat folding operations). The pivot shaft enables this dynamic movement, allowing the head restraint to adapt its position based on operational requirements, thereby improving driver visibility and seat folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint transitions from a static vertical structure to a dynamically positionable structure that can move in the horizontal plane through pivoting. This dimensional change allows the head restraint to clear the driver's rearward view path and accommodate seat folding mechanisms while maintaining its protective function when in the upright position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head restraint is designed with modular components for standardization, then platformability is improved, but the initial design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint assembly is segmented into distinct modular components: the bracket, pivot shaft, locking assembly, and head restraint supports. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes, improving platformability and enabling customization through auxiliary components without altering the core bracket design.
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 modular design reduces assembly complexity, standardizes components for platformability, and allows customization without altering the bracket, enhancing ease of use and reducing costs while maintaining safety features like obstruction-free folding.
Implementation Method 1
The cam is under a biasing force of a torsion spring and interacts with slide to lock the head restraint in the upright position.
Data Source
AI summary
Articulating/folding head restraint assemblies that include modular brackets that function as modules and allow for platformability and customization by varying auxiliary components. The modular brackets can be molded or cast using conventional manufacturing processes, and are designed to receive and/or house various components of the assembly such as pivotal head restraint supports, pivotal shafts, locking assemblies, etc. The modular brackets are designed to integrate a number of components that are typically separate in prior art devices and have to be individually assembled together.