A Study on the Durability of Headrest with Height Control Through Finite Element Analysis

In this paper, the impact of motor-powered headrest module, of which the height can be adjusted, according to its height, is evaluated. It evaluates the impact on module when the headrest module applied to a seat is exposed to passenger’s body weight. The motor-powered headrest module is consisted of a platform where the headrest is put into, a support rod for support, and a screw for height adjustment of platform. The acquisition of prior data on stress distribution and deformation while adjusting heights of this module could contribute to safety design. According to the analysis results, when the height is adjusted from the bottom level to the uppermost level, the stress distribution to platform appeared to be similar. However, the scope of stress distribution became narrower, raising the risk to damage, and the deformation was 5 mm. The analysis result of support rod stayed similar during the height adjustment, and its deformation appeared insignificant. Nevertheless, in terms of screw for transfer, stress distribution was observed to be high at the uppermost level. It seems to be necessary to have complementary design since the screw may be worn out when body weight is loaded during height adjustment. It would be able to provide basis data for safety design based on this paper’s analysis results.