Racing Headrest Honeycomb Structure for Stable Impact Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current headrests for vehicles, particularly in racing and high-temperature environments, face issues with temperature sensitivity, deformation under wind pressure, and inadequate energy absorption, leading to safety concerns and the need for frequent adjustments or replacements.

Innovation Solution

A headrest with a flexible casing and integrated honeycomb cellular structures, which are lighter and more stable across temperature variations, featuring foam pads to secure the honeycomb structures and optimize energy absorption through directional compression and airflow, while maintaining safety standards without increasing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If foam pads are used in the headrest, then energy absorption is improved, but temperature sensitivity causes deformation and lifting under wind pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines foam pads with a rigid cage structure made of stiffening elements to create a composite headrest assembly. The foam provides energy absorption while the rigid cage maintains structural stability and prevents deformation under wind pressure, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible cover that can deform under aerodynamic loads without compromising the internal structure. This flexible outer layer allows the headrest to accommodate wind pressure and temperature variations while the internal rigid cage maintains the position and shape of the energy-absorbing foam elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Use of energy by moving object

If foam pads are used in the headrest, then energy absorption is improved, but the headrest weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidheadrest weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements stiffening elements only in specific locations where structural support is needed, rather than making the entire headrest rigid. This localized reinforcement allows the use of lighter materials in other areas and reduces the overall weight while maintaining necessary structural integrity for energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest is divided into modular components including the rigid cage, foam pads, and flexible cover. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, enabling the use of lightweight materials for the cage structure while maintaining effective energy absorption through the foam elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the headrest casing is made rigid to prevent deformation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to temperature variations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtemperature adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic design where the flexible cover can adapt its shape in response to temperature changes and aerodynamic loads, while the rigid internal cage maintains the positional stability of the foam elements. This dynamic flexibility allows the headrest to function effectively across varying temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid cage structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability, maintains foam element positioning, and accommodates temperature variations through its rigid framework that doesn't deform like pure foam structures. This multi-functionality allows a single rigid structure to address both stability and temperature adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The headrest provides enhanced energy absorption and stability across varying temperatures, reducing the risk of deformation and improving safety by uniformly distributing impact forces and maintaining performance in extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of interconnected open cells configured to absorb energy by plastic deformation in response to a longitudinal compressive load applied to said cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one foam pad shaped so as to hold the at least one honeycomb cellular structure so that it's kept in the flexible casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS12122280B2Headrest

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 GEORGE TFE SCP

AI summary

Headrest (1) for a racing vehicle (10) comprising a cockpit (11) wherein a driver (20) wearing a helmet (30) can sit, comprising a flexible casing (2) configured to be anchored to a vehicle body (12) and at least one energy-absorbing member (3) comprising at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9) arranged inside said casing (2). The energy-absorbing member (3) further comprising a foam pad (8) shaped so as to hold the at least one honeycomb cellular structure (9).