Seat Headrest Retraction Mechanism to Avoid Privacy Shell Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of headrest interference with a privacy shell during seat conversion from a sitting to a lying position, particularly when equipped with speakers, poses a risk of damage and requires a protective mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A retraction device for the headrest, comprising a return member and a cable mechanically linked to the headrest, which retracts the headrest into a reception space in the backrest as the seat transitions from a sitting to a lying position, utilizing a dead travel and traction mechanism to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headrest is kept in the deployed position to maintain passenger comfort and adjustability, then the headrest can provide proper head support, but it risks interfering with and damaging the privacy shell when the seat transitions to the lying position
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device activates the headrest retraction in advance before the seat back reaches the horizontal lying position. The return member allows dead travel during the initial phase of backrest movement, then generates traction on the cable to retract the headrest into the reception space in the backrest, preventing interference with the privacy shell before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest position is dynamically adjusted based on the seat back angle. The retraction device uses a return member with cable that transitions from a dead travel phase (when the seat back is tilting) to an active retraction phase (when approaching the lying position), automatically adapting the headrest position to the seat configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is equipped with speakers and electronics to enhance passenger experience, then the entertainment functionality is improved, but the risk of damage from impact with the privacy shell increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device performs the protective action in advance by retracting the headrest into the reception space before the seat back reaches the horizontal position where interference with the privacy shell would occur, thereby protecting the embedded speakers and electronics from impact damage
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction device applies a counter-action by generating traction force through the cable and return member to move the headrest away from the privacy shell path, preventing the harmful impact before it can happen to the electronic components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made movable to allow height adjustment for passenger comfort, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the retraction mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction device is self-actuating and uses the motion of the seat back itself to power the headrest retraction through the return member and cable mechanism, eliminating the need for external motors or power sources. The system automatically retracts the headrest using the kinetic energy from the seat back's movement
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that transmits the motion and force from the return member (connected to the seat structure) to the headrest carriage, enabling the retraction function with a simple mechanical linkage rather than a complex actuation system
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 retraction device effectively prevents headrest interference with the privacy shell, ensuring the headrest is safely stowed away during seat conversion, protecting the headrest and its electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring mounted between the carriage and the backrest
Implementation Method 2
a limit-of-travel spring is mounted between the upright and the cable guide so as to absorb the limit of travel of the backrest
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat comprising:a squab, anda backrest provided with a headrest movable with respect to the backrest, said backrest being movable rotationally with respect to the squab and translationally with respect to at least one upright of a seat structure when the seat moves between a sitting position and a stretched-out position,a retraction device for the headrest comprising a return member arranged between the backrest and the upright and also a cable mechanically connected to the headrest, said retraction device being configured to allow a dead travel of the return member between the sitting position and a predefined intermediate position of the seat and then in order that the return member generates, on account of the relative translational movement of the backrest with respect to the upright, a pull on the cable causing the retraction of the headrest inside a receiving space provided in the backrest after consumption of the dead travel, between the intermediate position and the stretched-out position of the seat.