Head restraint

Head restraints in vehicles are used for reduction of forces acting on the cervical spine during sudden change of vehicle movement. In particular, they protect the passengers in case of accidents.

The in the 1960s by growing prosperity extremely increasing traffic density led to an increasing number of accidents and injuries on the road. In this context, it was recognized at that time in the automotive industry, an increased need for innovation in the automotive industry to prevent injury in an accident. In addition to the seat belt so also held the headrest spread its way into new cars.

History

The first known patent for a headrest ( headrest) in the car was the American Benjamin Katz issued in 1921. More patents followed in the 1930s and 1950s. The most headrests this time were not integrated into the seat, but with a large cuff on the arm placed. Some models can also lashed its sides to the back. The supplier of automotive accessories have had to adapt their neck supports on each newly coming to the market automobile. So provided about the greatest English Group for Auto Accessories, Karobes, immediately after publication of the NSU Prinz Type 110 early 1966, the exact matching neck support, " which is attached without a bolt and can be tilted forward and backward. " On January 1, 1969 were neck braces for U.S. cars duty in the 1970s attracted the Asian and European automakers after.

In Germany, Karl Meier was the pioneer in the field of head restraints. He founded in 1952 the company Kamei, derived from Karl Meier. Meier had already been engaged in the manufacture of various accessories for the interior of the VW Beetle and invented amongst the so-called " bolster ". This was in the criticism to promote driver fatigue. Meier argued, however, that relaxed driving promotes the concentration and also protect the driver's neck. This safety aspect pursued further Karl Meier and presented little later, the first safety headrests.

Operation

In strong deceleration of the car - during emergency braking or when the vehicle collides with an obstacle - fast the head of the occupant accident due to the law of inertia, first forward and then snaps back again at the moment of the complete vehicle standstill. Without headrest so the neck would be stretched beyond its physical boundary to the rear. It comes in some cases to a severe traumatic brain injury or even nerve bruising.

Especially in the case of a rear impact, a strain on the neck is prevented by the headrest.

Adjustment

The headrest which can be in the level or slope manually or electrically adjust should be adjusted so that the top of the head to crown height ( the head) is located; the mind is at its maximum distance a few inches from the headrest. Only in this way can be fully effective in an emergency the function of the headrest. In support literally the headrest but is only suitable in an emergency. During normal driving, it should not touch the head, not to restrict the mobility. Also supporting the head of intention to induce a too far-reaching relaxation posture at the expense of vigilance.

Legal regulation

In Germany headrest according to the road traffic licensing regulations for vehicles up to 3.5 t at the front outboard seats in accordance with § 35a para 2 required:

Technical innovations

Today, the headrests are in many automobiles part of the passive safety system. Some headrests, so-called active head restraints tilt forward at impact to the head absorb valuable milliseconds rather (see, WHIPS ). This is the so-called " whiplash " effect prevents an S-shaped hyperextension of the spine. Is raised by the forces of inertia of the occupant when a vehicle runs from the rear. For active head restraints in the seat back a lever system is integrated, which folds the headrest forward. More and more car manufacturers equip their vehicles right from the compact class with active head restraints, such as Honda and Hyundai. Some active head restraints should also include airbag systems in the future.

Some of head restraints are now also part of the multimedia system in the car. So can be built into the front headrests displays for rear seat passengers.