Power Articulating Headrest Assembly with Foldable Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headrest assemblies are cumbersome to install due to their large size, which prevents them from being shipped or installed as a unitary structure, and often lack adequate adjustment features for different-sized occupants and seating positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle headrest assembly with a support assembly defined by pivotally coupled linkages and latch brackets that allow the headrest member to be moved between upright, folded, fore, and aft positions, enabling vertical and horizontal adjustment, and facilitating installation and storage by allowing the headrest to be folded when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the headrest assembly is installed separately on the vehicle seat, then the assembly can fit through vehicle doors and be shipped on trailers, but installation costs increase and multiple installation steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is segmented into a headrest member and a support assembly with linkages that can be folded. This segmentation allows the assembly to be disassembled into compact components for shipping through vehicle doors, while maintaining the capability for unitary installation when needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between size constraints and installation ease
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates linkages with latch brackets that enable dynamic transformation between folded and extended configurations. This dynamic capability allows the headrest to adapt its size for shipping purposes while maintaining full functionality for installation, eliminating the need for separate installation procedures
2Volume of stationary object
If the headrest assembly is made unitary with the vehicle seat, then shipping and storage space is reduced, but the assembled structure becomes too large to fit through vehicle doors
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is divided into separable components (headrest member and support assembly) that can be folded together to form a compact unitary structure for shipping. The segmentation allows the assembly to occupy minimal space during transport while maintaining the option for unitary installation when space permits
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest member nests within or alongside the support assembly when folded, creating a compact configuration that minimizes shipping volume. The nested structure allows the entire assembly to fit through vehicle doors while maintaining the capability for full extension during installation
3Device complexity
If the headrest assembly is limited to vertical adjustment only, then the structure is simpler, but adequate adjustment for different sized occupants and positions is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly uses linkages with latch brackets that enable dynamic adjustment in multiple directions (vertical and horizontal). This dynamic mechanism provides versatile positioning for different occupant sizes and seating positions while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of basic linkage geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage-based support assembly serves multiple functions: it provides vertical adjustment, horizontal adjustment, and structural support. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to accommodate various occupant needs without requiring separate adjustment systems for each direction
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 secure, adjustable, and space-efficient installation and storage of the headrest assembly within vehicle seats, reducing installation costs and accommodating various occupant sizes and positions, while allowing for easy shipping and storage without separating the headrest from the seat.
Implementation Method 1
A support assembly includes first and second linkages which are pivotally coupled to the headrest member and seatback at opposite ends thereof
Implementation Method 2
First and second latch brackets are coupled to the first and second linkages respectively and are operable between latched and unlatched positions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle headrest assembly includes a headrest member operably coupled to a seatback. The headrest member is moveable between upright and folded positions relative to the seatback. A support assembly includes first and second linkages which are pivotally coupled to the headrest member and the seatback at opposite ends thereof. First and second latch brackets are coupled to the first and second linkages respectively and operable between latched and unlatched positions for moving the headrest member to the folded position from the upright position when the latch brackets are in the unlatched position.