Rotatable Wing Headrest Assembly for Lateral Head Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat headrests lack adjustable lateral support and fail to provide effective head stabilization during sudden changes in vehicle speed, particularly in preventing whiplash injuries.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable side-support head restraint assembly with rotatable wings and ratcheting mechanisms that allow for customizable lateral support, featuring synchronized wing adjustments and automatic return to unfolded positions during deceleration, enhanced by inertial forces and actuator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed or integrated head restraint is used, then the head restraint is structurally simple and easily manufactured, but it lacks height adjustability and cannot be easily detached from the seatback
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is divided into multiple segments: a center section and two rotatable wings. Each wing can be independently adjusted and folded, allowing height and angle customization while maintaining a compact form when folded. This segmentation enables adjustability without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The rotatable wings can change their angular position relative to the center section, and the entire assembly can be folded flat against the seatback. This dynamic capability provides height and angle adjustability while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple rotational joints and folding mechanisms.
2Reliability
If an adjustable head restraint with rotatable wings is used, then lateral support and head stabilization are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable wings are mounted to rotate relative to the center section, enabling dynamic adjustment of lateral support angles. This rotational mechanism provides effective head stabilization during lateral movements while using simple hinge joints and positioning mechanisms rather than complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint allows change in geometric parameters - the angle of the wings relative to the center section can be adjusted. This parameter change enables customization of lateral support to match different occupant morphologies and provides effective head stabilization without requiring complex mechanisms, as it relies on simple angular adjustment rather than multi-axis actuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head restraint structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to accommodate various occupant morphologies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint is segmented into a center section and two independent rotatable wings. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled together. The modular design maintains manufacturing ease while enabling customization through angular adjustment of the wings to accommodate different occupant sizes and shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The head restraint uses dynamic rotational joints allowing the wings to be positioned at different angles relative to the center section. This dynamic adjustability enables the same simple structure to accommodate various occupant morphologies by changing the geometric configuration rather than requiring multiple specialized components for different body types.
4Extent of automation
If fixed lateral support is provided, then head stabilization in lateral directions is improved, but the device cannot automatically respond to sudden deceleration events
Solution Approach 1:
The head restraint uses the occupant's own body and the force of deceleration to trigger the automatic response. During sudden deceleration, the inertial force naturally pushes the occupant's head forward, which automatically folds the rotatable wings against the center section through the rotational joints. This self-activating mechanism provides automatic protection without requiring sensors, actuators, or complex control systems.
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
Provides enhanced head stabilization in lateral directions and automatic repositioning during sudden deceleration, improving safety and comfort by preventing whiplash and accommodating various occupant morphologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first mass arranged integral with the first wing and configured to generate an inertial force to rotate the first wing into an extreme folded position when acted upon by a predetermined deceleration of the vehicle seat
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second ratcheting mechanisms may additionally include a respective latching spring configured to preload the corresponding latch into engagement with the corresponding gear
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first and second ratcheting mechanisms may additionally include a respective return spring configured to urge the corresponding first wing and second wing into the unfolded position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable side-support head restraint assembly for mounting to a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and backrest. The head restraint assembly is configured to limit rearward movement of a seat occupant's head relative to the seat occupant's torso and includes a center section configured to be mounted to the backrest. The head restraint assembly also includes a first wing rotatably mounted to the center section and provided to adjust an angle of the first wing between an unfolded position and a folded position relative to the center section and support the seat occupant's head in a first lateral direction. The head restraint assembly additionally includes a second wing rotatably mounted to the center section and provided to adjust an angle of the second wing between an unfolded position and a folded position relative to the center section and support the seat occupant's head in a second lateral direction.