Motorized Headrest Height Control with Lead Screw Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height control units for vehicle headrests require manual manipulation of fixing levers and lifting rods, which can lead to damage and are inconvenient for passengers, as they need to manually adjust and fix the headrest height.
Innovation Solution
A power height control unit featuring an electric motor, lead screw, reduction gearbox, lifting rods, and a carrier with stoppers and coil springs, allowing the headrest to be automatically lifted or lowered by the motor's driving force, eliminating the need for manual lever manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of fixing lever and lifting rod is used for headrest height control, then the structure can be simple, but the operation convenience deteriorates and parts may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system (fixing lever and lifting rod manipulation) with an automated electric motor-driven lead screw system. The motor automatically adjusts the headrest height by rotating the lead screw, which moves the carrier along the lifting rods, eliminating the need for manual lever operation while providing precise and convenient height control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor system performs the height adjustment function automatically without requiring user intervention in the manual manipulation process. The user simply operates a switch or button, and the motor-driven mechanism self-adjusts the headrest to the desired position, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual operation.
2Reliability
If manual fixing lever manipulation is required, then the device structure remains simple, but reliability deteriorates due to potential part damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the manual fixing lever mechanism that is prone to damage and replacement with an electric motor-driven lead screw system. This automated system provides more reliable height control and fixation without the mechanical wear and potential damage associated with manual lever manipulation, thereby improving overall system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If automated electric motor control is used for headrest height adjustment, then operation convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex manual manipulation mechanisms with a more compact and integrated electric motor-driven lead screw system. While automation is introduced, the overall complexity is managed by using a straightforward motor-to-lead screw connection that converts rotational motion to linear motion, providing automated control without excessive mechanical complexity.
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 convenient and damage-free height adjustment of the headrest, enhancing passenger comfort and vehicle competitiveness through automated operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor fixed on a side of the bracket, a lead screw axially supported at a lower end by a stopper plate so as to be driven forward or backward towards a lower part of the bracket via a reduction gear box by the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
a lead screw axially supported at a lower end by a stopper plate so as to be driven forward or backward towards a lower part of the bracket via a reduction gear box by the electric motor
Implementation Method 3
the carrier has stoppers axially supported by pins so that the stoppers are alternatively released by the manipulation of a user in a state where the poles of the headrest are coupled, and has coil springs elastically supporting the stoppers with respect to the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a height control unit of a headrest for a vehicle seat, in which the height of the headrest may be simply controlled by the driving force of an electric motor. The height control unit of a headrest for a seat of a vehicle includes a bracket fixed to an inner frame of a seat back, an electric motor fixed on a side of the bracket, a lead screw axially supported at a lower end by a stopper plate so as to be driven forward or backward towards a lower part of the bracket via a reduction gear box by the electric motor, lifting rods standing on both sides between the bracket and the stopper plate, and a carrier provided with pockets opened upward on both sides so as to receive poles of the headrest and lifted or lowered by the guide of the lifting rods in a state where the lead screw is screw-coupled with the carrier, wherein the carrier has stoppers axially supported by pins so that the stoppers are alternatively released by the manipulation of a user in a state where the poles of the headrest are coupled, and has coil springs elastically supporting the stoppers with respect to the carrier.