Multi-Stage Seatback Extension for Easier Headrest Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
As seat backrests become shorter, backrest or headrest extension assemblies become larger and heavier, making them difficult for vehicle occupants to move and adjust, especially from a seated position, necessitating a solution for easier repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage seatback extension system with extendable backrest and headrest assemblies that can rotate and be infinitely positioned, coupled to a backrest base via extension members and ports, and assisted by an extension assist assembly to reduce the force required for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If backrest or headrest extension assemblies are made larger to provide adequate support for shorter seat backrests, then occupant support is improved, but the assemblies become heavier and more difficult to move and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly is divided into multiple stages with individual links that can rotate independently. The multi-link mechanism breaks down the heavy extension assembly into manageable segments that can be adjusted in stages, reducing the force required to move each individual component while maintaining overall structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic multi-link mechanism where links can rotate toward or away from the center of the headrest assembly to extend or retract the assembly. This dynamic structure allows the heavy extension assembly to be repositioned through rotational motion rather than linear sliding, distributing the adjustment force across multiple moving joints.
2Strength
If backrest or headrest extension assemblies are made larger to provide adequate support, then occupant support is improved, but the force required to move and adjust them increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension assembly is segmented into multiple links that rotate independently around pivot points. This segmentation distributes the adjustment force across multiple joints rather than requiring one large force to move the entire assembly, making it easier for occupants to adjust from a seated position.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link mechanism transforms the adjustment action into rotational motion around pivot points. This dynamic approach allows the system to leverage mechanical advantage through the rotation of individual links, reducing the input force needed to extend or retract the heavy extension assembly.
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
Facilitates easier and smoother adjustment of headrest and backrest extensions, reducing the force needed to extend or retract them, enhancing occupant support and comfort, particularly in emergency situations like crashes.
Implementation Method 1
respective ones of the extension members can be configured to slide within respective ones of the ports
Implementation Method 2
The links can rotate toward a center of the headrest assembly or away from the center of the headrest assembly to respectively retract or extend the headrest assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-stage seatback extension system is disclosed. The multi-stage seatback extension system includes a backrest base assembly, an extendable backrest assembly, and an extendable headrest assembly. The extendable backrest assembly is moveably coupled to the backrest base assembly such that it can be pulled away from the backrest base assembly or pushed toward the backrest base assembly. The extendable headrest assembly is coupled to the extendable backrest assembly so that the headrest assembly can also be extended (or retracted). In this regard, the extendable backrest assembly and the headrest assembly implement a multi-stage (e.g., two stage or more) seatback extension system.