Adaptive Automotive Headrest for Shared Vehicles

Shared Mobility Privacy Adaptive Headrest

Problem: Privacy invasion and discomfort from non-personalized seating in shared vehicles

Solution: An adaptive headrest enabling visual shielding and personalized ergonomic support

Project cover image

Background

Rise of Shared Vehicles

  • Shift from vehicle ownership to shared use
  • Market projected to reach ~$86.9B by 2029

Changing In-Vehicle Experience

  • Vehicles expanding into personal spaces
  • Growing demand for personalized experiences

Limitations of Existing Seating

  • Lack of visual privacy from other passengers
  • Insufficient adaptation to individual posture and body type

User Research

Activities

Various usage patterns such as resting, working, and sleeping

Posture

Continuously changing postures depending on head support

Environment

Close proximity to unfamiliar passengers in a shared space

User activities and postures in shared vehicle environments

Fig. 1. User activities and postures in shared vehicle environments

" Users require both personal space and stable physical support "

Problem

Psychological Discomfort

Side exposure to others' gaze → lack of privacy

Physical Fatigue

Fixed seat structure → lack of personalized support

Goal

" To provide personal space through gaze blocking and adaptive physical support "

Design

Partial Visual Shielding with Soft-Fin Ray Structure

  • Forms lateral visual barriers using flexibility and resilience
  • Enables psychological comfort while maintaining situational awareness
Soft-Fin Ray–based visual shielding mechanism

Fig. 2. Soft-Fin Ray–based visual shielding mechanism

Behavior-Driven Interaction

  • Head-leaning pressure naturally triggers visual shielding
  • Leverages user behavior during rest or personal activities
Head-leaning interaction for natural visual shielding

Fig. 3. Head-leaning interaction for natural visual shielding

Adjustment Mechanism

  • Locking system allows use only when needed
  • Provides intuitive position control
Adjustable locking mechanism for position control

Fig. 4. Adjustable locking mechanism for position control

Compatibility with Existing Headrests

  • Utilizes standard headrest bar structure
  • Enables easy installation without modification
Prototype integrated with existing vehicle headrest

Fig. 5. Prototype integrated with existing vehicle headrest

Results

" Structural stability, safety, and real-world applicability validated "

Static & impact simulations

  • Lower deformation indicates high structural stability
  • Low stress at the head-contact area ensures user safety
  • Minimal deformation and stable stress distribution under impact

Table 1. Static Load Analysis Results

Material Max Deformation (mm) Max Stress (kPa) Stress at Head Contact Area (kPa)
ABS 4.26 11,600 0.17
Stainless Steel 0.04 12,400 0.22

Table 2. Dynamic Load Analysis under Rear Impact

Parameter Value
Impact Duration 0.01 s
Impact Momentum 83.35 kg·m/s
Applied Force 8,335 N
Max Deformation 7.58 mm
Max Stress 2,488,500 kPa
Stress at Head Contact Area 19.26 kPa
Simulation Results: Impact, Deformation, and Stress Distribution

Fig. 6. Simulation Results: Impact, Deformation, and Stress Distribution

Prototype integration

  • Prototype integrated with vehicle seat
  • Real-world feasibility demonstrated
Prototype integrated with vehicle seat

Fig. 7. Prototype integrated with vehicle seat