Movable Headrest Assembly for Single and Dual Occupant Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat and headrest systems lack adaptability to accommodate varying numbers of occupants efficiently, as they do not easily reconfigure to provide adequate headrest support for both single and multiple occupants without compromising comfort or space.
Innovation Solution
A headrest assembly comprising first and second movable portions that combine to form a single headrest for one occupant or separate headrests for multiple occupants, with adjustable thickness and height, using shape memory materials and actuators for rigidity control, and a collapsible structure with wedge-shaped members for expansion, allowing synchronization with seat lateral extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single headrest structure is used for one occupant, then headrest support is provided for single occupancy, but the seat cannot efficiently accommodate multiple occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into a first headrest portion and a second headrest portion that can move relative to each other. The second headrest portion can be positioned in different locations (first location for single occupancy, second location for multiple occupants) to provide independent headrest support for multiple occupants when the seat is reconfigured
Solution Approach 2:
The second headrest portion is designed to be receivable within a void of the first headrest portion when the first headrest portion is in the expanded state. This nesting arrangement allows the headrest to maintain a compact form when not in use while providing full functionality when needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is reconfigured to accommodate multiple occupants, then seating capacity increases, but headrest support becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest portions are made movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between single-occupant and multi-occupant modes. The second headrest portion can laterally move between a first location (overlapping with first headrest portion) and a second location (spaced apart to form separate headrests), ensuring reliable headrest support adapts to seating configuration changes
3Reliability
If separate headrests are provided for multiple occupants, then each occupant has headrest support, but space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest portions move in a lateral direction (perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the occupant) to transition between configurations. This lateral movement allows the headrest to provide separate support for multiple occupants while maintaining compact vertical and depth dimensions, optimizing space utilization
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 flexible and comfortable headrest support for both single and multiple occupants by adapting to different seating configurations, enhancing occupant comfort and space utilization within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the supports may comprise a shape memory material (such as a shape memory alloy or polymer), that may be activated to return the support to a particular shape
Implementation Method 2
The collapsible structure may comprise a flexible layer and a plurality of wedge-shaped members sequentially arranged on the flexible layer. Non-parallel wedge surfaces of the wedge shaped members may be in successive engagement so as to define a curved surface when the first and second headrest portions are in the expanded state
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5b
AI summary
A headrest assembly for a seat, wherein the headrest assembly comprises first and second headrest portions, the first and second headrest portions being movable relative to each other in a lateral direction, such that in a first configuration the first and second headrest portions are combined and form a single headrest for a single occupant of the seat, and in a second configuration, the first and second headrest portions are laterally spaced apart and form separate headrests for respective first and second occupants of the seat.