Cable-Release Pivoting Headrest for Rear Seat Fold Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivoting headrest assemblies fail to efficiently reduce the vertical profile of a rear seat during forward rotation without the headrest colliding with a forward-positioned seat, as they lack a reliable mechanism for smooth transition from an upright to a forward dump position.
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 rotated position, utilizing a spring-loaded sector and pivot rod mechanism to avoid collision with the seatback cushion and forward seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used to secure the headrest in an upright position, then the headrest can be reliably held in place, but the device complexity increases and the mechanism becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a cable for actuation, a catch with offset pivot point for engagement, a sector with pin location for positioning, and a spring for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-component latch mechanisms from prior art are extracted and replaced with a simplified cable-operated system. The essential function of securing and releasing the headrest is extracted and achieved through the interaction of just four main components, eliminating unnecessary complexity.
2Length of moving object
If the headrest is designed to pivot forward to reduce vertical profile, then interference with forward seats is prevented, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism utilizes an offset pivot point in a different dimension (spatial arrangement) to achieve engagement and disengagement. The catch pivots about an offset point rather than a central point, creating a lever arm that efficiently translates cable motion into headrest rotation, simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest support is designed with dynamic capability to pivot between upright and forward positions. The sector and pin arrangement allows smooth transition between locked and released states, enabling the headrest to dynamically adjust its position to clear forward seats during forward rotation.
3Ease of operation
If a cable-operated release mechanism is used, then the release operation becomes simpler and more efficient, but the mechanism requires precise engagement geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The catch is pre-configured with a specific engagement surface geometry that automatically aligns with the sector pin during assembly. The offset pivot point is positioned to ensure proper engagement geometry is established before operation, reducing the need for high-precision adjustments during use while maintaining simple operation.
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 a smooth and controlled angular displacement of the headrest, reducing the vertical profile of the rear seat without interference with the forward seat, enhancing the functionality of seat folding mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A cable is secured to a support fixed to a side of the bracket, with an inner translating portion engaging the catch at a location offset from its pivot axis relative to the bracket. Upon inward displacement of the translating portion, this being towards a fixed outer sheath of the cable secured to the bracket mounted support, the catch is actuated downwardly against its biasing force
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
Implementation Method 3
A headrest support secures a bun and is pivotally secured to the bracket in a forward biased direction. Upon pivotal disengagement of the catch, the forwardly biased sector and slaved headrest supports are free to pivot a determined angular displacement
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.