Suspension Mesh Headrest Structure for Lightweight Seat Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passenger seat headrests are heavy, bulky, and complex to manufacture, which hinders the goal of creating lighter, simpler, and more visually appealing designs that enhance passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A suspension headrest design featuring a perimeter frame with a suspension membrane held in tension across an open central region, providing support and cushioning without the need for a heavy internal structure, and allowing for customizable aesthetics and reinforcement options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional internal frames with cushions and outer panels are used, then structural support and cushioning are provided, but the headrest becomes heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid internal frames with a flexible suspension membrane that spans between attachment points on the seat structure. This thin film membrane provides both structural support and cushioning through its tensioned configuration, eliminating the need for heavy internal framing while maintaining headrest functionality.
2Strength
If traditional internal frames with cushions and outer panels are used, then structural support is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex internal frame structure, cushions, and outer panels from traditional headrest design. By removing these separate components and replacing them with a single suspension membrane system, the invention simplifies manufacturing while maintaining structural support through the membrane's tensioned configuration.
3Weight of moving object
If a membrane stretched in tension over a supporting structure is used, then weight is reduced and aesthetic features are enhanced, but structural support must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension membrane is pre-tensioned during installation to establish the necessary structural support before use. This preliminary tensioning action creates the rigid-like behavior needed for headrest support while maintaining the lightweight membrane construction, allowing the system to provide adequate structural support without heavy materials.
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 suspension headrest offers a lightweight, customizable, and comfortable solution that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining structural support, enhancing passenger comfort and reducing weight, suitable for various passenger seat applications.
Implementation Method 1
A suspension membrane may be affixed to the forward side of the perimeter frame. The suspension membrane may be held in tension across the open central region of the perimeter frame
Implementation Method 2
The suspension membrane may be held in tension across the open central region of the perimeter frame and may deflect into the open central region when load is applied to the suspension membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Described are lightweight headrests with a perimeter frame 200 with an open central region. The open central region is spanned by a suspension membrane 100 held in tension. The suspension membrane provides support and cushioning functions to a passenger head without the need for internal structures or compression cushions. The perimeter frame of the headrest may have additional cross members spanning the rear portion of the headrest. These cross members may provide additional structure or locate attachment points for the headrest onto the seat.