Multi-Adjustable Head Restraint with Electronic Height, Tilt, and Side Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head restraints in vehicles lack sufficient adjustability to accommodate the optimal head and neck position of occupants, especially when the vehicle seat is reclined, limiting comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable head restraint assembly with electronically powered height, side angle, and tilt adjustment mechanisms, allowing for customizable support and comfort by changing the height, side angle, and tilt of the head supporting structure relative to the seat back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If head restraint structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost decreases, but adjustability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is divided into multiple independently adjustable components: height adjustment mechanism, tilt adjustment mechanism, and side angle adjustment mechanism. Each mechanism can be adjusted separately to provide customized positioning while maintaining a modular structure that is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, multi-degree-of-freedom adjustable structure. The electronic adjustment mechanisms enable the head restraint to adapt its position (height, tilt, side angle) dynamically to match different occupant preferences and seating positions, significantly improving adjustability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to improve adaptability, then head and neck positioning capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic adjustment system serves multiple functions through a unified control interface. The same electronic mechanism and control system manage height, tilt, and side angle adjustments, reducing the need for separate control systems for each degree of freedom and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control system acts as an intermediary between the user interface and the mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This intermediary layer coordinates the multiple adjustment operations, manages power distribution, and controls the timing of adjustments, thereby simplifying the integration of multiple mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If electronic adjustment mechanisms are used to enable precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic adjustment mechanisms operate periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The head restraint adjusts to predetermined positions only when needed (e.g., when occupant selects a position or when seat recline angle changes), remaining stationary at each position to conserve energy while maintaining high positioning accuracy during adjustment events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control feedback to detect the current position of the head restraint and the occupant's preferences. This feedback mechanism enables precise positioning by continuously monitoring and making minor adjustments as needed, rather than requiring continuous high-energy operation, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy with reduced overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable head restraint assembly for a seat back of a seat that includes a head supporting structure, a head rest support, and at least two of a height adjustment mechanism, a side angle adjustment mechanism, and a tilt adjustment mechanism that are each electronically powered. The head supporting structure is configured to support an occupant's head. The head rest support supports the head supporting structure. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to change the height of the head supporting structure relative to the head rest support and the seat back. The side angle adjustment mechanism is configured to change the angle of side portions of the head supporting structure relative to a center portion of the head supporting structure. The tilt adjustment mechanism is configured to change a tilt angle of the head supporting structure relative to a tilt supporting structure and the seat back.