Headrest position adjusting device for vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headrests are only adjustable in height, leading to inadequate support for occupants' heads when tilted, increasing the risk of injury during collisions and causing neck pain from prolonged tilting, as they cannot adjust in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis directions to accommodate varying head positions or driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A headrest position adjusting device with motors and links that allow the headrest to rotate in X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, utilizing a head position sensor and manual switch to automatically or manually adjust the headrest's position to ensure proper support, featuring a first motor for leftward-rightward movement, a second motor for upward-downward movement, and a third motor for forward-backward adjustment, with a controller managing the motors based on sensor data or user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the headrest is made adjustable only in height (upward-downward direction), then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the headrest cannot provide adequate support when the occupant's head is tilted or positioned in front of the headrest, increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional (vertical) adjustment to three-dimensional adjustment by adding lateral (X-axis) and longitudinal (Z-axis) adjustment capabilities. This is achieved through a multi-axis adjusting mechanism that includes a lateral adjusting assembly with a first motor and crank mechanism, and a longitudinal adjusting assembly with a second motor and lead screw mechanism, enabling the headrest to move in multiple directions to accommodate various head positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing the headrest position to be changed in real-time based on occupant needs. The adjusting mechanism uses electric motors that can be controlled to move the headrest laterally and longitudinally, providing dynamic adaptability rather than fixed positional adjustment. This enables the headrest to respond to changing conditions such as occupant movement or sleeping positions.
2Reliability
If the headrest is made adjustable in multiple directions (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis), then the headrest can provide stable support for various head positions, but the structure and control system become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex three-dimensional adjustment function into separate modular subsystems: a lateral adjusting assembly (first motor, crank mechanism, connecting rod) for X-axis movement, a vertical adjusting assembly (second motor, lead screw) for Y-axis movement, and a rotational adjustment mechanism for Z-axis orientation. Each subsystem independently handles one degree of freedom, making the overall complex system more manageable, reliable, and easier to control through a centralized controller that coordinates each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism is designed as an integrated multi-functional system where a single controlling unit manages multiple motors and adjustment mechanisms. The first motor assembly handles lateral positioning, the second motor assembly handles vertical positioning, and the rotational mechanism handles angular orientation. This universal adjusting system provides comprehensive head support functionality through a coordinated multi-component mechanism rather than separate independent systems.
3Ease of operation
If the headrest uses automatic sensor-based adjustment, then the convenience and responsiveness to occupant position is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automatic adjustment system using sensors (such as cameras or ultrasonic sensors) to detect the occupant's head position and the controller to automatically actuate the adjusting mechanisms. The system autonomously monitors head position through sensors, processes the detected information, and triggers appropriate motor movements to reposition the headrest, enabling the system to serve itself without manual intervention and providing responsive automatic adaptation to occupant needs.
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
Enables three-dimensional adjustment of the headrest to provide stable and convenient support for occupants' heads, reducing the risk of injury during collisions and alleviating neck pain by ensuring proper alignment, even when the occupant is asleep or in varying driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, which transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy in order to rotate a headrest
Data Source
AI summary
A headrest position adjusting device for a vehicle, may include a first motor mounted to a seatback frame; a first link connected to the first motor to be rotatable to a predetermined first angle in a leftward-rightward direction; a second motor mounted to the first link; a second link connected to the second motor to be rotatable to a predetermined angle in an upward-downward direction; a third motor mounted to the second link; a third link connected to the third motor to be rotatable with respect to a rotation axis of the third motor; and a headrest frame connected to the third link and mounted in a headrest pad.