Rear Seat Pivoting Headrest Release With Cable Slack Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior pivoting headrest designs experience jamming or malfunction due to inevitable cable slack during the forward rotating motion of the seatback, which affects the proper functioning of the headrest during subsequent reverse rotation and retriggering to an upright position.
Innovation Solution
A headrest mechanism with a cable-induced trigger release system, where the cable is offset from the seatback pivot point and connected to a rotating trigger wheel, allowing for timed release of the headrest during the seatback dump sequence, preventing contact with the seatback and managing cable slack through a biased release plate and spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is connected directly to the seatback pivot point, then the headrest release is triggered immediately during seatback rotation, but cable slack causes jamming and malfunction during subsequent reverse rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable redirection location offset from the seatback pivot point, creating a dimensional change in the cable path. This offset positioning allows the cable to be redirected at an angle, transforming the linear cable pull into a rotational moment that winds onto the trigger wheel, thereby converting cable slack into a functional timing mechanism rather than a source of jamming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable redirection location as an intermediary element between the seatback pivot point and the trigger wheel. This intermediary redirects the cable force at an offset position, allowing the cable to wind onto the trigger wheel during seatback rotation and preventing direct cable slack from causing jamming in the headrest release mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the cable is offset from the pivot point to prevent jamming, then cable slack is managed better, but the release timing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded trigger wheel that automatically winds onto itself as the cable pulls during seatback rotation. The spring mechanism self-regulates the cable slack by winding and unwinding the cable in a controlled manner, eliminating the need for complex external timing mechanisms while maintaining precise release timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the cable system by introducing a spring-loaded trigger wheel that transforms the cable from a static connector into a dynamic, windable element. The spring mechanism allows the cable to be wound and unwound in a controlled manner, changing the parameter of cable tension from constant to variable, thereby simplifying the timing mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual release is added to the automatic cable-triggered release, then user control is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both automatic cable-triggered release and manual release functions into a single unified mechanism. The trigger wheel and release plate assembly serves dual purposes: it responds automatically to cable tension from seatback rotation while also accepting direct manual manipulation. This multi-functionality is achieved without adding separate independent mechanisms, thereby limiting complexity increase
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
Prevents jamming by ensuring smooth transition between upright and forward dumped positions, maintaining proper functioning of the headrest by managing cable slack and facilitating automatic or manual release, thereby enhancing the reliability of the headrest mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the cable translated through a redirection location an offset distance from an associated seatback pivot point
Implementation Method 2
Cable slack resulting from the offset alignment established between the seatback pivot location and the lower frame supporting and redirecting location
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting headrest assembly incorporated into a rear row vehicle seat including a base and a pivotally supported seatback. A first bracket is fixedly supported atop the seatback and exhibits a striker. A second bracket is pivotally supported to the first bracket in a biased direction away from the striker and includes a headrest bun support. A hook is supported upon the second bracket in a first biased direction engaging the striker. A release element associated with the second bracket is biased direction and which, upon being actuated in a second counter-biased direction, engages a projecting portion associated with the hook. A cable is secured at a first end to a fixed location associated with the seat and extends through a redirection location an offset distance from a pivot location of the seatback, the cable securing at a second end to the release element.