Pivoting Headrest Wings for Adjustable Passenger Neck Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger seats lack adjustable neck and head support, necessitating passengers to bring cumbersome personal items like pillows and blankets, which intrude on personal space.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat with a neck support structure featuring a headrest and pivotally coupled wings that can rotate from a stowed to a deployed position, providing adjustable support without the need for personal items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed passenger seats are used, then the seat structure is simple, but the neck and head support is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed headrest into a movable structure with wings that can rotate between stowed and deployed positions. This allows the seat to adapt to different passenger needs for neck and head support while maintaining a simple fixed structure when the support feature is not required, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If personal items like pillows and blankets are brought for support, then neck and head comfort is improved, but personal space is intruded upon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the self-service principle by providing the seat with built-in neck and head support capabilities through the movable wings. Passengers no longer need to bring personal items like pillows and blankets from home, as the seat itself provides the necessary support function. This eliminates the need for additional personal items that would intrude on personal space while maintaining comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable wings are added for support, then personalized positioning is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the headrest into a fixed portion and movable wing portions. This segmentation allows the wings to be independently positioned to provide personalized support for different passengers, while the fixed portion maintains structural stability. The segmented design enables adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire headrest structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are passenger seats comprising a seat back support and a neck support structure comprising a headrest coupled to the seat back support and at least one wing pivotally coupled to the headrest, wherein the at least one wing is configured to rotate downwardly from a stowed position to a first deployed position and the at least one wing is also configured to rotate laterally from the stowed position to a second deployed position. The neck support structure may comprise a first wing and a second wing. A cover may be removably coupled to the at least one wing. The at least one wing may be formed from a flexible material.