Vehicle Seat Locking Accessory Headrest Safety Reminder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users often forget to replace the headrest on the backrest when returning a folding passenger seat in a vehicle to its position of use, which can be dangerous for the occupant.

Innovation Solution

A locking accessory that abuts against the headrest's rod when the seat is moved from its offset position to its position of use, preventing the seat from returning unless the headrest is removed from its housing, thus reminding the user to replace it.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the headrest is removed from the backrest and placed in a compartment under the seat cushion to avoid obstructing the tilting of the seat back, then the full tilting of the seat back is achieved, but the user may forget to replace the headrest on the backrest, creating a safety hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting range of seat backVSAvoidsafety of occupant

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking accessory provides tactile feedback through engagement with the headrest rod, creating a physical indication that the headrest must be in place for the seat to return to its usable position. This feedback mechanism ensures the user is reminded to reinstall the headrest on the backrest before using the seat

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The locking accessory acts as an intermediary element between the seat mechanism and the headrest rod. It mediates the interaction by requiring the headrest rod to engage with the locking accessory, thereby ensuring the headrest is properly positioned before the seat can be used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking accessory is added to prevent the seat from returning to position of use when headrest is in housing, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of occupantVSAvoidstructure of seat mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking accessory is integrated into the existing connecting rod system of the seat mechanism. It serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the seat movement mechanism and simultaneously provides the safety locking function by engaging with the headrest rod, thereby avoiding the need for a completely separate safety device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking accessory merges the safety function with the existing seat mechanism components. By integrating the locking feature into the connecting rod system rather than adding a completely separate mechanism, the overall device complexity is minimized while still achieving the safety objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3808597B1Motor vehicle seat and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.08.24 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a seat for a motor vehicle comprising: - a backrest, - a headrest (400) including at least one rod (410) for mounting it on the backrest, - a supporting structure (100) which defines a housing (140) for the headrest, and - a seat movably mounted on said supporting structure between a position of use and a retracted position. According to the invention, the seat includes a locking accessory 230 which, when the headrest is installed in the housing, is adapted to abut against the rod of the headrest as the seat moves from its retracted position to its position of use.