Work Vehicle Headrest Cushion Structure With Bulging Head Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing headrest configurations for work vehicles have a large number of components, leading to increased manufacturing costs without optimal protection for the user's head.

Innovation Solution

A headrest design featuring a cushion section with a bulging portion and recessed portions, supported by a metal plate-like support member and fixing members, reduces component count while providing effective cushioning and positional feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If urethane foam is wrapped in PVC film with board member support, then head protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to large number of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead protectionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple components (cushioning layer, support layer, and positioning elements) into a single integrated cushion section. The opposing surface is formed as an integral part of the cushion section with varying thickness to provide both support and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate board members and wrapping films.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion section employs local quality variation through its opposing surface design, where the thickness varies to create different functional zones: a thicker central portion for head support and protection, and thinner peripheral portions for positioning and cost reduction. This allows different regions to serve different purposes within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If multiple components are used for headrest construction, then protective function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple protective and supportive functions are combined into the single cushion section component. The varying thickness design provides both cushioning protection and structural support that would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion section appears to be made from composite or multi-layer material structure that provides both cushioning and support properties in a single component, eliminating the need for separate urethane foam, PVC film, and board member layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If central portion of opposing surface is recessed, then component count is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to pain on head contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent countVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of recessing the central portion of the opposing surface, the invention inverts the design by making the central portion the thickest area that protrudes outward. This ensures direct head contact with the thickest cushioning material for comfort, while the thinner peripheral areas provide positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design effectively protects the user's head while reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing components and enhancing cushioning properties.

Implementation Method 1

the air in the hollow portion allows the cushion section to easily exhibit appropriate cushioning properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCushioning: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

when the back of a user's head contacts the headrest, the urethane foam can absorb the impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4653254A1Headrest and work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4653254A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4653254A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4653254A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A headrest includes a cushion section (11) configured to contact the back of a user's head, wherein the cushion section (11) includes a hollow portion (14) formed therein, and the cushion section (11) includes a bulging portion (15) bulging toward the back of the user's head at a central portion of an opposing surface (12) of the cushion section, the opposing surface facing the back of the user's head.