Powered Headrest Release Mechanism for Obstructed Return Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional furniture headrest systems are not adjustable, leading to discomfort in different reclined or upright positions, and existing power actuated designs fail to completely release during return travel if an object blocks the path, making them difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A powered headrest system with a rotatable headrest frame assembly connected to a furniture seatback frame, utilizing a power actuated mechanism and a biasing member to adjust the headrest from a fully retracted to a fully forward rotated position, and a release system to allow retention at any forward rotated position and safe return to the retracted position even if obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed headrest support system is used, then the structure is simple, but the headrest cannot be adjusted to different positions causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The headrest frame assembly is made rotatable relative to the seatback frame, allowing it to move between retracted and forward rotated positions. This dynamic capability enables the headrest to adapt to different occupant positions and preferences, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest system is divided into separate functional components: the headrest frame assembly, the seatback frame, the actuation mechanism, the biasing member, and the release system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling complex adjustment capabilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical manual rotation system is used, then headrest adjustment is possible, but operation is difficult for some occupants and adjustment is not infinite
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical rotation system is replaced with a power actuated system. The actuation mechanism uses a power actuated member (such as an electric motor or actuator) to automatically rotate the headrest frame assembly between retracted and forward rotated positions. This substitution eliminates the need for manual operation, making the system easy to operate while providing infinite adjustment capability through controlled power-driven motion.
3Extent of automation
If a power actuated headrest system is used, then operation is automated, but the actuator cannot be completely released during return travel if blocked
Solution Approach 1:
A release system acts as an intermediary between the power actuated member and the headrest frame assembly during return travel. This release system includes a rotatable connection that permits the headrest frame assembly to be retained at any forward rotated position while allowing the actuation mechanism to return the power actuated member to the retracted position even when blocked. The biasing member provides the force to return the headrest to the retracted position after the actuator releases, ensuring reliable operation and safety.
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 occupant headrest support, ensuring comfort in various positions and safe operation by using a biasing force for return to the retracted position, even if an object is encountered during return travel.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is connected to the furniture member seatback frame and the headrest frame assembly. A biasing force created during rotation of the headrest frame assembly away from the fully retracted position operates without an operating force of the actuation mechanism to bias the headrest frame assembly from the fully forward rotated position to the fully retracted position.
Data Source
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.