X-Link Power Headrest for Forward-Backward Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power headrest apparatuses in vehicles struggle to adjust the forward-backward position of the headrest effectively to accommodate varying occupant body types and sensitivities, and are prone to damage during sudden loads like rear-end collisions due to inadequate movement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A power headrest apparatus utilizing a pair of link members arranged in an X-form to intersect and pivot, driven by motors, allowing horizontal movement of the headrest in forward and backward directions, ensuring sufficient movement without increasing the headrest's width, and incorporating deceleration mechanisms to manage torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a spiral rod mechanism is used to adjust the forward-backward position of the headrest, then the headrest can be moved horizontally, but the amount of movement is limited by the length of the spiral rod and cannot satisfy occupant sensitivities
Solution Approach 1:
The headrest is divided into a stationary part and a movable part, with the movable part being adjustable in the forward-backward direction through the link mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of the forward-backward position while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension spiral rod mechanism to a two-dimension X-shaped link mechanism that provides both horizontal movement capability and structural stability, enabling sufficient forward-backward adjustment range without increasing headrest width
2Length of moving object
If the headrest width in the forward-backward direction is increased to secure sufficient movement range, then occupant sensitivities can be satisfied, but the overall width of the headrest increases
Solution Approach 1:
The X-shaped link mechanism utilizes vertical space and angular rotation to achieve horizontal movement, converting the movement generation from a linear extension (increasing width) to a rotational mechanism (utilizing vertical and angular dimensions), thus providing sufficient movement range without increasing headrest width
3Ease of operation
If an actuation mechanism for tilting the headrest is used, then the headrest can be adjusted in forward-backward direction, but the mechanism is prone to damage under sudden loads like rear-end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration mechanism is pre-installed in the driving part to reduce and absorb sudden impact forces before they reach the actuation mechanism, preventing damage to the tilting mechanism during rear-end collisions while maintaining normal adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The deceleration mechanism acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates sudden impact energy through controlled deceleration, protecting the actuation mechanism from damage during collision events while allowing smooth operation during normal adjustment
4Extent of automation
If a motor-driven mechanism is used to adjust the headrest, then the adjustment function is automated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driving part is designed to perform multiple functions: normal motor-driven adjustment, deceleration during movement, and impact absorption during collisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation
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 solution provides effective adjustment of the headrest to suit occupant sensitivities while maintaining a compact width and enhances durability by distributing torque, reducing the risk of damage during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second link members are arranged to intersect with each other in an X form, and are interconnected to be pivotable about a pivot shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first lead screw extending vertically and rotatably driven by the first motor
Implementation Method 3
a first deceleration part provided between the first motor and the first lead screw
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a power headrest apparatus capable of automatically adjusting vertical and forward-backward movement of a headrest using motors, and of sufficiently securing an amount of forward-backward movement of the headrest using a pair of link members, which are arranged to intersect with each other in an X form, while a width of the headrest in forward and backward directions thereof is maintained below a certain level.