Rotating Vehicle Head Rest for Cargo Space and Head Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle head rests do not efficiently provide both storage space and optimal head support when not in use, as they often require manual adjustment and may not be inclined at a comfortable position for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a rotating head rest mechanism that includes a rod coupling the head rest to the seat back, allowing it to be raised and lowered, and featuring a rotation mechanism that adjusts the head rest between extended and inclined positions, enhancing occupant comfort and compliance with safety specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the head rest is lowered to provide storage space and expand driver view, then cargo space and visibility are improved, but head support function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The head rest is designed to rotate between a retracted position (when lowered) and an extended position (when raised), transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. This rotation mechanism allows the head rest to adapt its position based on whether the seat is occupied or not, resolving the contradiction between maximizing cargo space and maintaining head support function.
2Ease of operation
If the head rest is manually raised after being lowered, then head support is restored, but the head rest may not be inclined at a comfortable position
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is designed to automatically rotate the head rest to the extended position when raised, without requiring manual adjustment. The mechanism uses the raising motion itself to trigger the rotation, making the system self-adjusting and eliminating the need for occupants to manually position the head rest for comfortable inclination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head rest remains in extended position when lowered, then it occupies space in occupant area, but it maintains ready position for use
Solution Approach 1:
The head rest dynamically changes its position based on the rod's elevation state. When lowered, it rotates to a retracted position clear of the occupant space. When raised, it rotates to an extended position for optimal head support. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining ready position and occupying occupant space.
Data Source
AI summary
A head rest for a seat assembly includes a rotation mechanism that allows the head rest to rotate with respect to the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism may allow the head rest to incline when in a raised position to provide clearance for an occupant seated in the seat assembly. The rotation mechanism also may allow the head rest to rotate outward from the seat assembly when in a lowered position to displace the occupant with respect to the seat assembly.