MPV Headrest Sliding Mechanism for Automatic Storage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headrest apparatuses for MPVs require additional user operations to fold and house the headrest, leading to increased weight and complexity, which complicates the folding process and results in an uneven floor surface when the sinking seat is stored.

Innovation Solution

A headrest apparatus with a simplified structure that includes a headrest sliding unit, a sinking seat folding unit, and a seat support frame, utilizing a cable, pulley, and spring mechanism to automatically slide and lock the headrest, ensuring the seatback is level with the floor without additional user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional headrest apparatus is used to house the headrest in storage space, then the headrest can be stored, but additional user operations are required and the structure becomes complex and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of headrest storage operationVSAvoidcomplexity of headrest apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest apparatus automatically houses the headrest in storage space when the sinking seat enters sinking mode, eliminating the need for additional user operations. The system self-activates through the seat folding mechanism, making the headrest storage process automatic and convenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest storage function is merged with the sinking seat folding mechanism. The headrest housing operation is combined with the existing seat folding process, so that one action (folding the seat) triggers both functions (seat folding and headrest storage) simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a conventional headrest apparatus is used, then the headrest can be stored, but the structure becomes complex and large, thus increasing the weight of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of headrest storage operationVSAvoidweight of vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest apparatus automatically houses the headrest in storage space when the sinking seat enters sinking mode, eliminating the need for additional user operations. The system self-activates through the seat folding mechanism, making the headrest storage process automatic and convenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest storage function is merged with the sinking seat folding mechanism. The headrest housing operation is combined with the existing seat folding process, so that one action (folding the seat) triggers both functions (seat folding and headrest storage) simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the headrest is placed on the seat cushion during storage, then the headrest is housed, but the seatback protrudes upwards forming a stepped portion with the floor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of seat storage operationVSAvoidflatness of floor surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest apparatus automatically houses the headrest in storage space when the sinking seat enters sinking mode, eliminating the need for additional user operations. The system self-activates through the seat folding mechanism, making the headrest storage process automatic and convenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest is automatically housed in storage space before the seatback is fully folded, ensuring that the storage space is cleared and the floor surface remains flat. This preliminary action prevents the formation of stepped portions and maintains a level floor appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The apparatus reduces vehicle weight and production costs while enhancing operational convenience by automatically housing the headrest and maintaining a level surface when the sinking seat is stored, improving the overall folding process quality.

Implementation Method 1

a spring provided on a side surface of the frame housing, the spring inducing sliding movement of the headrest-support-pole connection pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a pulley unit provided on a first sidewall of the frame housing, the pulley unit inducing rotation of the locking bracket shaft depending on movement of the cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS9108550B2Headrest apparatus for multi-purpose vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 KIA CORPORATION

AI summary

A headrest apparatus for an MPV includes a headrest that can be automatically completely housed in a storage space in such a way as to slide without requiring a user to perform an additional operation of pushing the headrest downwards, thus being more convenient for the user. The headrest apparatus has a simple structure and a reduced size, thus reducing the weight of the vehicle. The headrest apparatus includes a headrest sliding unit, a sinking seat folding unit, and a seat support frame supporting a sinking seat on a floor of the MPV, wherein, when the sinking seat is housed in a seat storage space formed in the floor of the MPV, the upper surface of the sinking seat that is in a housed state is level with the upper surface of the floor of the MPV.