Smart head restraint system

摘要

This paper reports the design and development of a novel head restraint system for automotive applications to reduce whiplash injuries to occupants. This head restraint mechanism is combined with a pair of ultrasonic sensors, actuators and control algorithm to form an active head restraint system, which detects the position of an occupant's head when seated in the car and moves the head restraint into an optimum position to reduce the chances of receiving whiplash injuries in the event of a rear impact. The system monitors significant changes in the position of the head and moves the head restraint to the desired position. A system demonstrator is built and successfully tested.