Headrest attached to seat backrest in road vehicle has frame with spring-loaded slightly convex support sheet for cushion with release allowing sheet to deform into sharply convex shape

摘要

The headrest is designed to act as a crash protection buffer. The convex plate (26) is attached to the headrest frame (20) with an actuator spring (44) and a lever (36) to deform the plate into its sharply convex shape to act as a crash buffer. The release system (48) receives an electric current from a crash sensor (56) which passes through a heater wire connected to two terminals (52). The heat melts a low melting point wire (50) forming part of a cable (54) holding the spring under tension. The deformed support plate with the upholstery forms a spring buffer which protects the seat occupant's head.