Modular Movable Headrest Structure for Easier Seat Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current headrest height-adjustable mechanisms without a headrest rod are complex, have many parts, and occupy large space, making the assembly and disassembly of seats inconvenient and complicated.

Innovation Solution

A movable headrest module with a first and second part, where the second part moves relative to the first, driven by a driving part, and includes a mounting interface for easy attachment to a seat frame, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts, facilitating assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a height-adjustable headrest mechanism is implemented without a headrest rod, then the structure becomes complex with many parts and large space occupation, but the headrest height adjustment functionality is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest height adjustmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest assembly is divided into a fixed part (integrated with seat back) and a movable part (headrest cushion), connected through a guide structure that allows vertical movement. This segmentation enables height adjustment while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for a traditional headrest rod and complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a height-adjustable headrest mechanism is implemented without a headrest rod, then the structure becomes complex with many parts and large space occupation, but the headrest height adjustment functionality is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest height adjustmentVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the headrest into fixed and movable portions connected through a compact guide structure, the design achieves height adjustment functionality while minimizing space occupation. The guide structure allows vertical movement within a compact footprint, eliminating the need for a long headrest rod that would occupy excessive space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex headrest mechanism with many parts is used, then headrest height adjustment is achieved, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadrest height adjustmentVSAvoidassembly and disassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is designed as a modular assembly with a fixed part integrated to the seat back and a movable part that can be easily attached and detached. The guide structure provides natural guidance for assembly, allowing workers to simply align and secure the movable headrest cushion to the fixed portion, significantly simplifying the assembly and disassembly process compared to complex integrated mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If a simplified headrest structure with fewer parts is used, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the headrest height adjustment functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly convenienceVSAvoidheadrest height adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented design with fixed and movable parts connected through a guide structure maintains full height adjustment functionality while simplifying the overall structure. The guide structure provides constrained movement paths that enable smooth vertical adjustment without requiring complex mechanisms, achieving both ease of assembly/disassembly and effective height adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4454943A1Movable headrest module, seat, vehicle and method of disassembling and assembling a seat
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FAURECIA (CHINA) HOLDING CO LTD
  • EP4454943A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4454943A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4454943A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a movable headrest module, a seat, a vehicle and a method of disassembling and assembling a seat. The movable headrest module (100) comprises a first part (1) and a second part (2), and the second part (2) is able to move relative to the first part (1), and the second part (2) comprises a moving component (21) supported by the first part (1) and a headrest component (22) connected to the moving component (21), wherein the moving component (21) is able to be driven by a driving part (3) to move relative to the first part (1), and to drive the headrest component (22) to move relative to the first part (1).The first part (1) has at least a first connecting interface (11) and a second connecting interface (12), and the first connecting interface (11) and the first part (1) support the moving component (21) through the first connecting interface (11), and the second connecting interface (12) provides a mounting interface (13) to mount the movable headrest module (100) to a seat frame (200).