Integrated Seat Headrest and Neck Support With Independent Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headrests in seats, such as those in airliners, do not provide adequate neck support and are not adjustable to accommodate various user preferences, requiring passengers to bring their own neck pillows which can be cumbersome and non-compliant with FAA flammability requirements.
Innovation Solution
An integrated seat assembly with independently adjustable headrest and neck support subassemblies, each including articulating supports and cushions, allowing for separate adjustment capabilities to accommodate different users and preferences, and optionally incorporating features like speakers, massagers, and heaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional headrest is used, then head support is provided, but neck support is not provided and adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a head support portion and a neck support portion, each with independent adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall adjustability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the head support and neck support can be independently positioned and angled to accommodate different user preferences and requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system
2Reliability
If passengers bring their own neck pillows, then neck support is provided, but portability and compliance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly provides self-service neck support through an integrated, compliant neck support portion that eliminates the need for passengers to bring external neck pillows, ensuring both comfort and regulatory compliance while maintaining ease of use
3Adaptability or versatility
If headrest and neck support are integrated, then both head and neck support are provided, but adjustment independence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated assembly is segmented into distinct head support and neck support portions, each with its own adjustment controls and mechanisms, allowing independent adjustment while maintaining structural integration
Solution Approach 2:
The rail mounting system provides a universal interface that accommodates both the head support and neck support portions, allowing either component to be adjusted independently along the same mounting structure without interfering with the other
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated seat assembly including a fixed subassembly attachable to a seat backrest, a headrest subassembly configured to translate along a rail of the fixed subassembly, and a neck support subassembly also configured to translate along the rail, independently of the translation of the headrest subassembly. Each of the headrest subassembly and the neck support subassembly include articulating supports configured to enhance support of comfort of the respective subassemblies. Each of the headrest subassembly and the neck support subassembly may include a cushion for further comfort.