Adjustable Seat Headrest Locking Structure for Rigidity and Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat headrests face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity for upward/downward adjustment while maintaining a uniform appearance, as existing solutions often use different materials for stay rods and headrests, leading to aesthetic inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A seat headrest design incorporating a pad assembly, a main cover with an upward/downward movement guide groove, a post stay with notch grooves, and a locking mechanism, along with a garnish and omega spring, allows for adjustable rigidity and harmonized appearance by using a metal post stay and plastic components, ensuring smooth and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal stay rods are used to ensure sufficient rigidity for headrest adjustment, then the rigidity and structural strength are improved, but the uniformity of the overall appearance is degraded due to material differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by making the post stay (metal component) and the upper guide (plastic component) appear visually uniform through color matching and surface treatment. The upper guide is designed to surround and conceal the post stay, creating a homogeneous appearance from the exterior while maintaining the metal component's structural rigidity internally.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to hold the headrest at adjustable positions, then the position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates on a self-service principle where the system automatically locks and unlocks without external intervention. The release button, when pressed, triggers the lock plate to disengage from the notch groove, allowing the headrest to move freely. When the button is released, the spring automatically pushes the lock plate back into the groove, securing the position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the lock plate for engagement, the spring for elastic force application, and the release button for user activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
3Strength
If the lock plate is made of metal with high rigidity to ensure strong locking, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to material joining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lock plate is constructed as a composite structure combining metal and plastic materials. The metal portion provides the necessary rigidity and locking strength, while the plastic portion facilitates easier manufacturing and integration with the plastic upper guide. This composite approach allows for simplified production processes while maintaining high locking strength.
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 design provides a seat headrest that moves upward/downward with sufficient rigidity, maintaining a high-quality appearance and ensuring durability through the use of a locking mechanism and omega spring, while allowing for easy adjustment and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring provided to apply elastic force to the lock plate bezel in a direction in which the lock plate is inserted into the one of the notch grooves
Implementation Method 2
The post stay may be configured to be held, when inserted into the post holding guide, in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the post stay by the post holding guide and an omega spring inserted into the post stay
Data Source
AI summary
A seat headrest includes: a pad assembly; a main cover surrounding a rear side of the pad assembly; an upper guide coupled to the main cover and provided with an upward/downward movement guide groove formed in the upper guide and elongated upward/downward; a post stay including an upper portion inserted in the upward/downward movement guide groove; and a post holding guide, in which the lower portion of the post stay is inserted and held and which is held to a seat back frame.