Split Cable Sleeve for Foldable Headrest Binding Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for foldable vehicle headrests often experience binding issues between the cable and sleeve as the seatback folds, preventing proper operation of the headrest release mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve with a split design that lengthens as the headrest rotates, allowing the second end to slide over the cable, creating a discontinuity and preventing binding, while maintaining a fixed first end, ensuring smooth folding and unfolding of the headrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable runs through a fixed-length sleeve in a foldable seatback, then the cable is protected and the actuation path is maintained, but binding occurs between the cable and sleeve during folding, preventing proper headrest release
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is designed with a split that allows it to dynamically change its longitudinal length. When the seatback folds forward, the sleeve elongates to accommodate the increased distance between the seatback and headrest, preventing cable binding. When the seatback is upright, the sleeve returns to its shorter length. This dynamic length adjustment ensures the cable can freely move through the sleeve during the folding cycle without binding.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve's physical parameter (longitudinal length) is changed in response to the folding state. The split in the sleeve allows the material to stretch and elongate when tension is applied during folding, and return to its original length when the folding force is removed. This parameter change enables the sleeve to adapt to different spatial requirements during folding versus upright positions.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve length remains constant, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the headrest cannot pivot freely during seatback folding, causing binding and operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is segmented by introducing a split that runs through a portion of its length. This segmentation allows the sleeve to open and elongate when needed during folding operations, providing the necessary flexibility for headrest pivoting. The segmented structure maintains relative simplicity while enabling the required dynamic behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat including a seatback, and headrest including a shell member. A release mechanism is mounted to the shell member. The release mechanism selectively locks the headrest relative to the seatback. An actuator system extends between the seatback and the headrest. The actuator system includes a sleeve having a first end fixedly connected relative to the seatback, a second end fixedly connected relative to the headrest shell, and an intermediate portion defining a longitudinal length of the sleeve, and a cable extending through the sleeve. The cable has a first end section arranged in the seatback and a second end section coupled to the release mechanism. The longitudinal length of the sleeve includes a first dimension when the seatback is in an upright position and the longitudinal length has a second, longer dimension, when the seatback is in a folded configuration.