Pivoting Headrest Cable Release Catch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting headrest assemblies fail to efficiently reduce the vertical profile of a rear seat to prevent interference with a forward seat during forward rotation, as they often require complex latch mechanisms and do not effectively avoid headrest collision.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting headrest assembly with a cable-operated release catch that disengages from a pin at an offset pivot point, allowing the headrest to pivot from an upright to a forward position, utilizing a spring-loaded sector and pivot rod to reduce the vertical dimension and avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the headrest is kept in an upright position, then it provides proper head support, but it collides with the forward seat when the rear seat is dumped
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is designed to dynamically change its position between upright and forward-rotated states. The sector mechanism with offset pivot point enables controlled angular displacement, allowing the headrest to rotate forward when the seat is dumped and return to upright position when the seat is in normal configuration, thus avoiding collision while maintaining head support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The release catch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cable actuation system and the sector mechanism. It translates the cable's linear motion into controlled pivotal movement of the sector, enabling smooth transition of the headrest between positions without direct mechanical connection, thus preventing collision while preserving support function
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is used to hold the headrest in position, then it provides stable support, but it creates complexity in the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The release catch combines the functions of a latch and a release mechanism into a single integrated component. It pivots on the bracket and directly engages with the sector's pin, eliminating the need for separate latch and release mechanisms. The cable directly actuates the catch, further simplifying the system while maintaining reliable positioning and easy release
Solution Approach 2:
The offset pivot point of the sector is extracted from the conventional centered position, creating an inherent mechanical advantage that enables the release catch to easily disengage the pin. This geometric modification reduces the force required for release and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining stable positioning during normal use
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 smooth and efficient forward rotation of the headrest assembly, reducing the overall height of the rear seat without interfering with the forward seat, by using a cable-operated release mechanism that displaces the catch from the pin, allowing the headrest to pivot and clear the seatback cushion.
Implementation Method 1
A sector is also pivotally supported upon the bracket and to which is slaved the headrest support
Implementation Method 2
A release catch is pivotally supported upon the bracket and is biased in a first upward direction so that a forward configured edge of the catch abuts a projecting pin location associated with the sector
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting headrest assembly including a bracket supported upon a seatback frame. A headrest support secures a bun and is pivotally secured to the bracket in a forward biased direction. A sector is pivotally secured to the bracket and to which is attached the headrest support. A release catch is pivotally supported at a further location of the bracket and is biased in a first upward direction so that the catch abuts a projecting pin associated with the sector in an upright design position established by the headrest support. A cable is secured to a support fixed to a side of the bracket and engages the catch at a location offset from its pivot axis relative to the bracket. Upon displacement of the cable, the catch is actuated out of engagement with the sector, resulting in the headrest support pivoting relative to the seatback.