Mono-Post Headrest Lever Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headrest height adjustment mechanisms for vehicles, particularly mono-post type headrests, are not suitable for future vehicle designs such as autonomous vehicles and require a new paradigm for effective height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lever-mounted locking mechanism that allows for easy height adjustment of a mono-post type headrest by flipping the lever, which unlocks and locks into vertically spaced locking holes on the mono-post using a locking device with a shaft, lock plate, and return spring, enabling up and down movement of the headrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pair of stays with push-pull type locking levers is used for headrest height adjustment, then the headrest can be adjusted to desired height, but the structure becomes complex and is not suitable for future vehicle designs such as autonomous vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional pair of stays is segmented into a single mono-post structure, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the essential function of headrest support and height adjustment. This segmentation reduces structural complexity and improves adaptability to modern vehicle designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mono-post structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment through integrated locking holes, and accommodates the locking device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate stays and locking mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If a simple lever operation is implemented for headrest height adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lever operation is merged with the locking device into a single integrated mechanism. The lever directly actuates the locking device, which in turn engages or disengages from the locking holes on the mono-post. This merging eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall system despite the functional complexity of the locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage with the locking holes when the lever is released, providing self-locking functionality. The spring mechanism automatically returns the locking device to its engaged position after the lever is actuated, reducing the need for additional control elements and simplifying the operation for the user.
3Measurement precision
If multiple locking holes are vertically formed on the mono-post for height adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking holes are pre-formed at specific vertical intervals on the mono-post structure during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of locking positions allows for precise height adjustment without requiring complex real-time positioning mechanisms. The locking device simply engages with the pre-positioned holes at the desired height level.
Solution Approach 2:
The mono-post structure incorporates locking holes only at specific vertical locations where height adjustment is needed, rather than providing continuous adjustment capability. This localized approach to adjustment points maintains structural simplicity while achieving sufficient precision for practical headrest positioning requirements.
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 easy and precise adjustment of the headrest height by a simple lever operation, ensuring the headrest is securely locked at the desired position, suitable for various vehicle types including autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring mounted on the rotary shaft to provide an elastic restoring force upon rotation of the locking bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting the height of a mono-post type headrest for a vehicle includes a headrest on a mono-post mounted on a seatback frame to be adjustable in height and includes a lever on one side of the headrest, thereby easily adjusting the headrest to the desired height by only a flipping operation for unlocking the lever.