Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of automobiles, and more particularly to system and method for adjusting headrest in automobiles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Whiplash is a common injury that may occur as a result of a rear vehicle collision. It typically happens when a sudden, forceful movement of the neck and head causes a rapid movement of the neck, i.e., hyperextension of the neck and then snapping back into the original place rapidly. This motion can strain the muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the neck.
[003] To prevent whiplash, seats of state-of-the-art automobiles are equipped with head restraints which may support head of the driver or passenger (hereinafter: occupant) during driving, or when the automobile is in motion. However, in some cases, the head of the occupant may not be completely supported by the head rest. More particularly, the headrest may not be in a suitable position to safely support the head of the occupant. In such cases, in the event of a rear vehicle crash, the headrest may not be able to protect the occupant of the seat from whiplash.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, effective, and cost-efficient head-restraint system to achieve maximum extent of protection from whiplash, during rear vehicle crash.
SUMMARY
[005] The present disclosure relates to a head restraint assembly. The head restraint assembly may include a headrest. The head restraint assembly may further include a slider slidably seated in a carrier and connected to the headrest. Further, the head restraint assembly may include a pretensioner unit connected to the slider, and configured to move the slider to a second position, i.e., to a safe position, in which the headrest may support a head of a passenger.
[006] In an embodiment, a seat may be disclosed. The seat may include a backrest, and a base accommodated in the backrest. The seat may further include a carrier affixed to the base, and a headrest. The seat may further include a slider slidably seated in a carrier and connected to the headrest. Further, the head restraint assembly may include a pretensioner unit connected to the slider, and configured to move the slider to a second position, i.e., to a safe position, in which the headrest may support a head of a passenger.
[007] In an embodiment, a head restraining method for supporting head of a passenger may be disclosed. The head restraining method may include detecting, by a control unit based on inputs of a plurality of sensors, that a head of an occupant of a vehicle seat is unprotected against a rear crash event. The method may further include detecting the occurrence of the rear crash event. The method may further include triggering an actuation command to a pretensioner unit deployed on a head restraint assembly to cause movement of a headrest of the vehicle seat to a position in which the head of the occupant is protected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a head restraint assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the head restraint assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the head restraint assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a first sensor unit of the head restraint assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a block diagram of a control unit connected to various sensors and the pretensioner unit, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the head rest, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the head restraint assembly in an unsafe situation, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the head restraint assembly in a safe situation, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a head-restraining method, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG.9 illustrates another flowchart of a head-restraining method, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[019] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letter. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the suffix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[020] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art such that equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[021] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[022] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-9.
[023] As explained earlier, the seats of state-of-the-art automobiles are equipped with head restraints which may support head of the occupant) when the automobile is in motion. However, in events of rear vehicle collision, the head of the occupant may not be completely supported by the head rest, or the headrest may not be in a suitable position to safely support the head of the occupant so as to prevent whiplash. To this end, a head restraint assembly for a vehicle seat is disclosed. It may be noted that the head restraint assembly may be implemented in any conventional seat, as well as seats of automobiles involving cars, trucks, buses, and the like. The head restraint assembly may move the headrest to a safe position, i.e., at a position that may provide maximum support to the head of the occupant, to prevent whiplash, which is illustrated in successive embodiments explained in conjunction with FIGs.1-8.
[024] Now, referring to FIG.1 illustrating a perspective view 100 of a head restraint assembly 102 may be disclosed, FIG.2 illustrating an exploded view 200 of the head restraint assembly 102, and FIG.3 illustrating a front view 300 of the head restraint assembly 102, as embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the head restraint assembly 102 may include a base plate 104. Further, the head restraint assembly 102 may further include a carrier 106 mounted on the base plate 104. In an embodiment, the carrier 106 may be fastened to the base plate 104 using at least one fastener 122. The base plate 104 may include a receiving area 128 on which the carrier 106 may be mounted. The receiving area 128 may be substantially planar. In addition, the base plate 104 may include a pair of arms 130a, 130b projecting from lateral edges of the receiving area 128. In an embodiment, the base plate 104 may be fixed to a seat frame 202, or the pair of arms 130a, 130b may be adjoined or fixed to the seat frame 202, to assemble the head restraint assembly 102 in the vehicle.
[025] In an embodiment, to the carrier 106, a slider 108 may be cooperatively fixated, such that the slider 108 may be configured to vertically slide within the carrier 106. In an embodiment, referring to FIG.2, the carrier 106 may be defined as a planar groove 214 surrounded by a bezel 212, and the slider 108 may be received in the planar groove 214 of the carrier 106. The slider 108 may be configured to slide on the planar groove 214 within the carrier 106, and the sliding motion of the slider 108 may be restricted by the bezels 212.
[026] In an embodiment, a metal plate 110 may be attached to the slider 108. Further, the metal plate 110 may be connected to a pretensioner unit 112. In an embodiment, the metal plate 110 may be fastened to the slider 108, using at least one fastener 132. The metal plate 110 may be fastened to the slider 108 in such a manner that the metal plate 110 may move in unison with the slider 108, i.e., the metal plate 110 may move along with the slider 108 within the carrier 106. The purpose of adjoining the metal plate 110 to the slider 108 is to connect a pretensioner unit 112 to the slider 108. For instance, the pretensioner unit 112 may be connected to the metal plate 110, and as described earlier, the metal plate 110 may be fastened to the slider 108, thereby connecting the pretensioner unit 112 to the slider 108.
[027] In an embodiment, referring to FIG.2, the carrier 106 may include a plurality of tracks 208. Particularly, the plurality of tracks 208 may be formed on the planar groove 214, and may serve as a guide, or a path for the slider 108 to slide along the carrier 106. In an embodiment, the slider 108 may also include a plurality of C-shape brackets 210, which may be slidingly engaged to the plurality of tracks 208. The plurality of tracks 208 may be formed as a reverse C-shaped structure, which may slidingly engage to the C-shaped structure of the plurality of C-shape brackets 210. Further, after engagement of the reverse C-shaped of the plurality of tracks 208 to the plurality of C-shaped brackets 210, the plurality of C-shaped brackets 210 may slide with respect to the plurality of tracks 208, thereby enabling seamless sliding of the slider 108 on the carrier 106.
[028] In an embodiment, the head restraint assembly 102 may include a spring mechanism. Particularly, the spring mechanism may include a plurality of spring grooves 124 defined on the slider 108, a plurality of spring stoppers 126 corresponding to the plurality of spring grooves 124, and a spring 118 disposed between the plurality of spring grooves 124 and the plurality of spring stoppers 126. In an embodiment, the slider 108 may slide in the carrier 106 against the biasing force of the spring 118, which is disclosed in later embodiments of this disclosure.
[029] In an embodiment, the slider 108 may include a plurality of headrest rod grooves 120. As described earlier, the headrest rod grooves 120 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of headrest rods 204 (refer to FIG.2) of the headrest (referred to as headrest 602 in FIG.5), thereby connecting the headrest 602 to the slider 108. Further as explained earlier, the headrest rods 204 may be slidingly accommodated in the headrest rod grooves 120 of the slider 108, thereby forming a complete assembly of the head restraint assembly 102 with the vehicle seat as illustrated by FIG.3.
[030] Again, referring to FIG.1, the carrier 106 may accommodate a first sensor unit 116. The first sensor unit 116 may be positioned in close proximity to the headrest rod grooves 120. Further, the first sensor unit 116 may be configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the headrest, by way of sensing the headrest rod 204 passing therethrough, the mechanism of which is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG.4.
[031] In an embodiment, the metal plate 110 may be connected to a pretensioner unit 112. The pretensioner unit 112 may include an actuator, and a piston 114 extending from the actuator coupled to the metal plate 110. Further, the actuator of pretensioner unit 112 may include an explosive gas, and when triggered may result in the generation of a rapid-pull force through the piston 114. More particularly, the explosive gas in the actuator may be triggered in response to receipt of an actuation command, or an actuation signal from a control unit (Refer to FIG.5 as control unit 502) or other sensors installed in the vehicle. Triggering the actuator may result in an explosion of gases present therein, and therefore, the extending piston 114 may be rapidly pulled towards the actuator. As explained earlier, the piston 114 is connected to the metal plate 110, which is further be connected to the slider 108, the rapid pull force may result in the rapid pulling of the piston 114 for moving the slider 108 vertically upwards within the carrier 106.
[032] Now, referring to FIG.4, which illustrates a front view 400 of the first sensor unit 116 of the head restraint assembly 102, as an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained earlier, the first sensor unit 116 may be positioned in close proximity to the headrest rod 204 and may be configured to generate a signal indicative of the position of the headrest, by way of sensing the headrest rod 204 passing therethrough. Particularly, the first sensor unit 116 may be mounted on the carrier 106 in close proximity to one of the headrest rod 204 , and may generate a signal indicative of the position of the headrest, by identifying the headrest rod 204 therein.
[033] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG.4, the first sensor unit 116 may include but not limited to a sensor, which may further include an emitter element 116a and a receiver element 116b. The emitter element 116a may include but not limited to a light source or signal generator commonly known in the art configured to transmit light rays or another signal to the receiver element 116b. In an embodiment, the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b may be separated by the headrest groove 120 on which the headrest rod 204 is adapted to slide.
[034] The headrest rod 204 may be present between the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b when the bottom of the headrest rod 204 is below the level at which the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b are disposed. In contrast, the headrest rod 204 may be absent between the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b when the bottom of the headrest rod 204 is above the level at which the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b are disposed. As will be understood, the signal from the emitter 116a may not reach the receiver 116b when the bottom of the headrest rod 204 is below the level at which the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b are disposed and may reach the receiver 116b when the bottom of the headrest rod is above the level at which the emitter and the receiver are disposed. The level at which the emitter 116a and the receiver 116b are positioned may be such that when the bottom of the headrest rod 204 may be below the level (i.e., when the signal from the emitter 116a does not reach the receiver 116b), the headrest 602 may not sufficiently cover the head of an occupant of the seat if the occupant is tall. In contrast, if the bottom of the headrest rod 204 is above the level, the headrest 602 may sufficiently cover the head of the occupant even if the occupant is tall.
[035] To determine if the occupant is tall, a second sensor unit (referred to as second sensor unit 504 in FIG.5) may be utilized. The second sensor unit 504 may include a sensor configured to determine the presence of an object. In the head restraint assembly 102, the second sensor unit 504 may be configured to determine the current position of the head of the occupant relative to the headrest 602. In an embodiment, when the position of the head of the occupant exceeds the headrest 602, the second sensor unit 504 may be configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of the head of the occupant exceeding the headrest 602. In an embodiment, when the head of the occupant does not exceed the headrest 602, such as in the case of a child occupant or an otherwise short occupant, the second sensor unit may not generate the second sensor signal, thereby indicating that the head of the occupant does not exceed the headrest 602. As will be appreciated, the generation of the second sensor signal by the second sensor unit 504 may indicate that the occupant of the seat is tall.
[036] In an embodiment, referring to FIG.5 illustrating a schematic view 500 of a block diagram of a control unit 502 connected to the first sensor unit 116, the second sensor unit 504, and the pretensioner unit 112, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle may include the control unit 502 connected to the first sensor unit 116 and the second sensor unit 504. In an embodiment, the control unit 502 may include an Electronic Control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. The control unit 502 may receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal from the first sensor unit 116 and the second sensor unit 504 respectively. In an embodiment, the control unit 502, or the ECU may be constructed as a microprocessor including a processing unit formed of one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, single board computers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data received from various sensors installed in the vehicle. The control unit may also include a Read-Only-Memory (ROM) (not shown) that stores processing programs, a Random Access Memory (RAM) that temporarily stores data, input and output ports (not shown), and a communication port (not shown). The control unit 502 receives, via its input port (not shown), signals from various sensors such as the first sensor unit 116 and the second sensor unit 504, that measure and determine that the support provided to the head of the occupant by the headrest 602 may be adequate, or not. Based on the detection, the control unit 502 may determine whether to transmit the actuation command via the output, to the pretensioner unit 112.
[037] In an embodiment, the control unit 502 may deduce whether the support provided to the head of the occupant by the headrest 602 is adequate based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. For example, if the headrest 602 is at a lower height, i.e., closer to the seat (as determined using the first sensor signal), and if the occupant is tall (as determined using the second sensor signal), it may be determined by the control unit 502, that the support provided may be inadequate. In contrast, if the headrest 602 is at a lower height closer to the seat, and if it is detected that the occupant is short, e.g., the occupant’s head does not exceed the headrest or if the headrest 602 is positioned at a higher position, it may be determined that the support provided to the head of the occupant is adequate.
[038] A position of the headrest 602 at which the head of the occupant is inadequately supported may be referred to as an unsafe position of the headrest 602. Further, a position of the headrest 602 in which the head of the occupant is adequately supported may be referred to as a safe position of the headrest 602. In an embodiment, the control unit 502 may be configured to raise a flag after determination of the unsafe position of the headrest 602. This raised flag may be stored in the memory of the control unit 502.
[039] In an embodiment, the control unit 502 may detect a rear crash event, using a rear crash sensor or any similar means. Further, in response to detection of the rear crash event, the control unit 702 may check whether the flag is raised or not, i.e., in the rear crash event, the control unit may check that the flag pertaining to the unsafe position of the headrest 602 is raised. In view of the flag related to the unsafe position of the headrest 602 being raised, the control unit may be configured to generate the actuation command to the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112. In contrast, upon detection of the safe position (the flag is not raised) of the headrest 602, the control unit may not generate and transmit the actuation command to the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112.
[040] In an embodiment, the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112, in response to receiving the actuation command from the control unit, may trigger a rapid pull action on the slider 108 through the piston 114 (refer to FIGs. 1-3). The mechanism that would be utilized by the pretensioner 112 to achieve the rapid pull action would be well understood by a person skilled in the art, and is not explained herein for the sake of brevity. Further, as explained earlier, the piston 114 may impart the rapid pull action on the metal plate 110, which may be fastened to the slider plate 108. By virtue of the assembly, when the actuator generates the rapid pull force through the piston 114, the metal plate 110 and the slider 108 may be rapidly pulled vertically upwards from an initial position to a second position. Since the headrest 602 is connected to the slider 108 through the headrest rod 204, in response to an upward movement of the slider 108, the headrest 602 also moves upwards and stops at a position corresponding to the second position of the slider 108. A position of the headrest 602 corresponding to the second position of the slider 108 may be referred to as a safe position, or the optimal position, since such a position of the headrest 602 may offer adequate protection to occupants of varied heights. In an embodiment, the initial position of the slider 108 may be a position at which the headrest 602 may be positioned, before detection of the safe position or the unsafe position by the control unit.
[041] Now referring to FIG. 6, which illustrates a front view 600 of the headrest 602 as an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, at least one of the headrest rods 204 of the headrest 602 may include a plurality of notches 604a, 604b, 604c, and 604d (hereinafter collectively referred to as the plurality of notches 604). Each notch from the plurality of notches 604 may be configured to engage a stopper 206 (refer to FIG.2) on the vehicle seat such that the headrest 602 may be restricted and maintained at any of a plurality of positions, including the safe position. For example, the notch corresponding to the safe position of the headrest 602 may be the notch 604b. For example, initially, the notch 604c may be engaged with the stopper 206. In response to the generation of the rapid pull from the pretensioner unit 112, the slider 108 may move the headrest rod 204 vertically upwards to disengage notch 604c and engage the notch 604b to the stopper 206, thereby positioning the headrest 602 to the safe position.
[042] In an embodiment, the slider 108 may include a stopper mechanism (not shown in figures). The stopper mechanism may be adjoined to the walls of the stopper and may be configured to restrict the sliding motion of the slider 108 beyond the second position, thereby preventing the headrest 602 from moving beyond the safe position. The stopper mechanism may include a mechanical stopper such as a cam stopper or a spring-based stopper. In an embodiment, the stopper mechanism may further include an electronic stopper which may be connected to the control unit. The electronic stopper may be actuated based on the actuation command received from the control unit.
[043] Now, referring to FIG. 7A, which illustrates a front view 700A of the head restraint assembly when the headrest 602 is in the unsafe position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7B illustrates a front view 700B of the head restraint assembly when the headrest 602 is in the safe position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[044] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG.7A, the headrest 602 may be in the unsafe position. As explained earlier, at this position, the headrest 602 may not be able to adequately support the head of the occupant, for example, if the occupant is tall. The unsafe position may be determined by the control unit 502, for example, upon starting of the vehicle having the head restraint assembly 102. In response to the detection of the unsafe position of the headrest 602, the control unit 502 raises a flag. Further, as explained earlier, the unsafe position may be determined based on the inputs of the first sensor unit 116 and the second sensor unit 504. In the event of a rear crash, if the unsafe position of the headrest 602 exists by checking whether the flag is raised, the control unit 502 accordingly generate the actuation command to the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112.
[045] The actuator, in response to the actuation command, may generate the rapid pull force on the slider 108 via the piston 114, for moving the slider 108 from the initial position (illustrated by FIG.6A) to the second position, along the plurality of tracks 208 (illustrated by FIG. 6B) of the carrier 106. The slider 108 may slide along the plurality of tracks 208, in a vertically upwards direction against the biasing force of the plurality of springs 118 to the second position. In an embodiment, the biasing force may be generated in response to the compression of the plurality of springs 118 as a result of the slider 108 moving vertically upwards. The movement of the slider 108 to the second position may position the headrest 602 to the safe position, which is illustrated by FIG. 6B. Further, the rapid pulling force, by the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112, may occur in a short time, such as in microseconds, thereby the headrest 602 may move to the safe position upon detection of the rear vehicle crash almost instantaneously. Therefore, in the safe position of the headrest 602, the head of the occupant may be adequately supported, preventing the whiplash injury to the occupant. After a predefined time period since the headrest reaches the safe position, when the rapid pulling force may be reduced from the actuator, the biasing force of the spring may return the slider 108 to any position except the second position.
[046] Now, referring to FIG.8, which illustrates a flowchart 800 of a head restraining method, as an embodiment of the present invention. At step 802, a head of the occupant may be unprotected is detected. In this step, the control unit 502 may determine whether the support provided to the head of the occupant by the headrest 602 is adequate or inadequate based on the first sensor signal with the second sensor signal generated by the first sensor unit 116 and the second sensor unit 504 respectively. If the position of the headrest 602 in which the head of the occupant is inadequately supported, thereby an unsafe position of the headrest 602 may be detected, and the flag corresponding to the unsafe position of the headrest 502 is raised by the control unit 502. At step 804, a rear crash event of the vehicle may be detected, by the control unit 502 of the vehicle. At step 806, an actuation command to a pretensioner unit 112 may be triggered by the control unit 502. The actuation command to the pretensioner unit 112 may be triggered when the control unit 502, in view of the unsafe position of the headrest 602 determined earlier and the detection of the flag corresponding to the unsafe position is raised, generates the actuation command to the actuator of the pretensioner unit 112. In response to the receipt of the actuation command, the headrest 602 may be moved to a safe position that may provide adequate support to the head of the occupant. This is already explained in detail in conjunction with FIGs. 1-7B.
[047] Now, referring to FIG.9, which illustrates another flowchart 900 of the head restraining method, as an embodiment of the present invention. At step 902, the head of the occupant may be unprotected, or an unsafe position of the headrest 602 may be determined by the control unit, i.e., a position of the headrest 602 at which the head of the occupant may be inadequately supported, based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. At step 904, a flag indicative of the unsafe position of the headrest 602 may be raised by the control unit 502. At step 906, a rear crash event of the vehicle may be detected, by the control unit 502 of the vehicle. After the rear crash event is detected, the method may proceed to the next step 908, at which the control unit 502 determines if a flag is raised or not. If the flag is raised, the method proceeds to step 910 in which an actuation command to a pretensioner unit 112 may be triggered by the control unit 502. In response to the generation of the actuation command, the headrest 602 may be moved to a safe position. If the flag is not raised, the method may be terminated.
[048] The head restraint assembly 102, by providing adequate support to the head of the occupant, may increase safety by reducing the extent of the whiplash injury to the occupant during the rear crash event. Further, the head restraint assembly may be retrofittable, or may be installed as an add-on component to the vehicle seat, especially without making any substantial changes to the design of the vehicle seat. Further, the head restraint assembly may be interchangeably equipped with various sensors to increase functionality based on a requirement, and within the packaging constraint.
[049] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[050] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[051] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[052] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:CLAIMS
WE CLAIM:
1. A head restraint assembly (102), comprising:
a headrest (602);
a slider (108) slidably seated in a carrier (106) and connected to the headrest (602); and
a pretensioner unit (112) connected to the slider (108), and configured to:
move the slider (108) to a second position to cause movement of the headrest to a safe position, wherein the headrest (602) supports a head of a passenger when the headrest (602) is at the safe position.
2. The head restraint assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pretensioner unit (112) comprises:
a piston (114) coupled to the slider (108) to cause movement of the slider (108) in response to movement thereof; and
an actuator connected to the piston (114) to move the piston (114) in response to receiving an actuation command.
3. The head restraint assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first sensor unit (116) to:
generate a signal indicative of whether the headrest (602) is at a position different from the safe position.
4. The head restraint assembly (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first sensor unit (116) is mounted on the carrier (106), and comprises:
an emitter (116a); and
a receiver (116b) to receive a signal generated by the emitter (116a) when the headrest (602) is at a position different from the safe position.
5. The head restraint assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a second sensor unit, to:
generate a signal indicative of head of the passenger exceeding a current height of the headrest (602).
6. The head restraint assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a stopper mechanism adjoined to the carrier, to:
restrict motion of the slider such that the slider is prevented from moving beyond the second position.
7. A seat, comprising:
a seat frame (204);
a base (104) accommodated in the seat frame (204);
a carrier (106) affixed to the base (104);
a headrest (602);
a slider (108) slidably seated in a carrier (106) and connected to the headrest (602); and
a pretensioner unit (112) connected to the slider (108), and configured to:
move the slider (108) to a second position to cause movement of the headrest (602) to a safe position, wherein the headrest (602) supports a head of a passenger when the headrest (602) is at the safe position.
8. A vehicle, comprising:
a seat, comprising:
a seat frame (204);
a base (104) accommodated in the seat frame (204);
a carrier (106) affixed to the base (104);
a headrest (602);
a slider (108) slidably seated in a carrier (106) and connected to the headrest (602); and
a pretensioner unit (112) connected to the slider (108), and configured to:
move the slider (108) to a second position to cause movement of the headrest (602) to a safe position, wherein the headrest (602) supports a head of a passenger when the headrest (602) is at the safe position.
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pretensioner unit (112) comprises:
a piston (114) coupled to the slider (108) to cause movement of the slider (108) in response to movement thereof; and
an actuator connected to the piston (114) to move the piston (114) in response to receiving an actuation command.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, comprising:
a first sensor unit (116) to generate a signal indicative of whether the headrest (504) is at a position different from the safe position; and
a second sensor unit, to generate a signal indicative of head of the passenger exceeding a current height of the headrest (504).
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, comprising a control unit configured to:
receive the signal generated by the first sensor unit (116) and the signal generated by the second sensor unit;
determine an unsafe situation when the head of the passenger exceeds the headrest (602) and the headrest (602) is at a position different than the safe position.
12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
in response to determination of the unsafe situation, and the headrest (602) at a position different than the safe position,
trigger an actuation command to the pretensioner unit (112) to cause movement of the slider (108) to the safe position.
13. A head restraining method (700) for supporting head of a passenger, the head restraining method (700) comprising:
detecting (702), by a control unit based on inputs of a plurality of sensors, that a head of an occupant of a vehicle seat is unprotected against a rear crash event;
detecting (704), by the control unit, an occurrence of the rear crash event; and
triggering (706), by the control unit, an actuation command to a pretensioner unit deployed on a head restraint assembly to cause movement of a headrest of the vehicle seat to a position in which the head of the occupant is protected.

14. The head restraining method (700) as claimed in 13, wherein detecting by the control unit comprises:
determining a current height of a headrest (602), in response to a signal received from a first sensor unit (116); and
determining an unsafe situation, by a second sensor unit when headrest (602) is at a position different from a safe position.