Seat assembly having an adjustable head restraint assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable head restraint assemblies for vehicle seats lack the ability to provide independent and simultaneous movement along multiple axes, limiting user adjustment and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a headrest that includes a support post, a latch mechanism with first and second guide wires, and a traverse member, allowing movement along a first axis and a second axis, enabling independent and simultaneous adjustment by receiving the guide wires in specific slots and ramps when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional single-axis head restraint mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the headrest cannot move independently along multiple axes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two independent subsystems: a first latch mechanism with a first guide wire for vertical axis control, and a second latch mechanism with a second guide wire for fore/aft axis control. Each subsystem independently controls movement along one axis, enabling multi-axis adjustment while maintaining manageable structural complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-axis to multi-axis control by introducing a second degree of freedom. The headrest assembly now moves along both a vertical axis (via first guide wire) and a fore/aft axis (via second guide wire), allowing diagonal and simultaneous multi-directional adjustments that were impossible with traditional single-axis mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If guide wires are received in slots and ramps during latched position, then the headrest position is fixed and stable, but the headrest cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of guide wires with slots and ramps. When latched, the guide wires are received in the slots and ramps to provide stable positioning. When unlatched, the guide wires are released from these features, enabling free movement. This dynamic transition between locked and unlocked states allows the system to alternate between stability and adjustability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wires are pre-configured with slots and ramps that define specific engagement positions. Before adjustment occurs, the system is prepared with these predetermined positioning features in place. When the latch is engaged, the guide wires automatically align with and engage these pre-positioned slots and ramps, ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning without requiring additional adjustment steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly having a support post, a headrest, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may have first and second guide wires that control movement of the headrest along first and second axes, respectively. The latch mechanism may permit movement of the headrest along the first and second axes when in an unlatched position.