Powered Headrest Release Mechanism for Blocked Return Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture headrests are not adjustable, leading to discomfort in different reclined or upright positions, as they are fixed to the back seat member, and existing power actuated designs do not allow complete release during return travel if an object blocks the path.
Innovation Solution
A powered headrest system with a rotatably connected frame assembly and a biasing member, where the headrest can be infinitely adjusted between fully retracted and fully forward rotated positions using an actuation mechanism, and can return to the retracted position using a biasing force, with a release system to prevent rotation if an object blocks the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is fixed to the back seat member, then the structure is simple, but the headrest cannot be adjusted to different positions for comfort in various chair positions
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest frame assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a rotatable connection to the seatback frame, allowing it to rotate between fully retracted and fully forward positions. This dynamic capability enables the headrest to adapt to different chair positions (reclined or upright) while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a biasing member for automatic return.
2Ease of operation
If a power actuator is used to rotate the headrest, then infinite adjustment is possible, but the actuator cannot be completely released during return travel if an object blocks the path
Solution Approach 1:
The power actuator is extracted from the return travel function, allowing the headrest to return to its retracted position without power assistance when an object blocks the path. The biasing member provides the return force independently, separating the power actuator's role to only forward rotation, thereby ensuring complete release capability during return travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest system uses the biasing member to automatically return the headrest frame assembly to its retracted position without requiring power actuator assistance. This self-service mechanism ensures that the actuator can be completely released during return travel even when an object blocks the path, as the biasing member independently handles the return function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used to rotate the headrest, then the mechanism is simple, but it is difficult to operate by some occupants and does not provide infinite adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation system is replaced with a power actuator that provides automated rotation of the headrest frame assembly. This substitution enables infinite adjustment across the full range from fully retracted to fully forward positions, making the system accessible to all occupants regardless of physical capability, while maintaining structural simplicity through the biasing member for return travel.
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
Provides infinitely adjustable and comfortable headrest support for occupants, ensuring proper alignment in various chair positions and allowing the headrest to be returned to its original position without power assistance when an object is present.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member connected to the headrest frame assembly and operable to bias the headrest frame assembly from the fully forward rotated position back to the fully retracted position
Data Source
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AI summary
A powered headrest operating system includes a headrest connected to a seatback frame using rotational pins. An actuation mechanism rotatably connected to the seatback frame has a power actuated member connected to the headrest operating between retracted and extended positions to rotate the headrest from a fully retracted to a forward rotated position about an axis of rotation of the rotational pins. A release system rotatably connecting the headrest to the actuation mechanism retains the headrest at any forward rotated position while the actuation mechanism returns the power actuated member from the extended to the retracted positions if the headrest encounters an object blocking return to the retracted position. A biasing member connected to the seatback frame and the headrest creating a biasing force during headrest rotation away from the retracted position operates without actuation mechanism operating force to bias the headrest frame assembly toward the retracted position.