Modular Vehicle Headrest Assembly with Multi-Axis Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest assemblies for vehicles are often bulky and expensive due to the need for multiple adjustable features across various trim levels, lacking a modular solution that can accommodate different vehicle configurations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular headrest assembly with a stationary rear housing, featuring first and second motors for horizontal and vertical adjustment, a pivotally coupled headrest bun, independently adjustable side bolsters, and an integrated air moving device for ventilation, allowing for customizable comfort settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable features are integrated into headrest assemblies to meet the needs of various trim levels, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is divided into modular components including a headrest bun, side bolsters, mounting plate, and rear housing that can be independently adjusted or configured. This segmentation allows different trim levels to have selective features activated while using the same base structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions by providing both horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities, and by supporting both the headrest bun and side bolsters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each feature, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across trim levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable features are integrated into headrest assemblies to meet the needs of various trim levels, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows manufacturers to produce a standardized base assembly and then configure different trim levels by selecting which optional features (side bolsters, ventilation, heating) to include, rather than manufacturing completely different headrest assemblies for each trim level. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Optional features such as side bolsters, ventilation systems, and heating elements are designed as separable components that can be added or removed based on trim level requirements. This extraction approach allows the base headrest to be manufactured once, with features added only where needed, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If side bolsters are made independently adjustable to enhance comfort, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side bolsters are integrated with the headrest bun through pivotal connections to the central support member, allowing them to be independently adjusted while sharing the same structural support system. This merging approach enables independent adjustment functionality without requiring completely separate mounting and actuation systems for each bolster, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest assembly includes upright supports that are partially disposed within a rear housing and interconnected to one another by a vertically adjustable guide bracket. A mounting plate is operably coupled to the guide bracket by a driveshaft of a first motor for driving horizontal movement of the mounting plate. A headrest bun is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate for rotating movement between upright and angled positions. A second motor is mounted to at least one of the upright supports and includes a vertical driveshaft coupled to the guide bracket for driving vertical movement of the guide bracket. The headrest bun includes first and second side bolsters that are pivotally coupled to a central support member between extended and retracted positions. The headrest assembly may further include an air moving device to provide ventilation or a heating feature to a user of the headrest assembly.