Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a locking mechanism that is electromagnetically actuated and is selectively moveable between a locked and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the head restraint to move between an upright and a folded position. The locked position comprises engagement of a first lock member with a second lock member to prevent rotation of the head restraint relative to a base portion of the head restraint and the unlocked position comprises disengagement of the first lock member from the second lock member to allow rotation of the head restraint relative to the base portion. An electromagnet is operatively connected to the head restraint and positioned to exert a magnetic force on the second lock member that urges the second lock member toward the unlocked position when the electromagnet is in an energized condition.

Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a locking mechanism that is electromagnetically actuated and is selectively moveable between a locked and an unlocked position, thereby allowing the head restraint to move between an upright and a folded position. The locked position comprises engagement of a first lock member with a second lock member to prevent rotation of the head restraint relative to a base portion of the head restraint and the unlocked position comprises disengagement of the first lock member from the second lock member to allow rotation of the head restraint relative to the base portion. An electromagnet is operatively connected to the head restraint and positioned to exert a magnetic force on the second lock member that urges the second lock member toward the unlocked position when the electromagnet is in an energized condition.

Abstract: A two-phase electro-mechanical stepper motor has a first and second rotor fixed on a shaft. Permanent magnets are mounted on each of the rotors. The magnets each have several north and south pole magnet regions that are oriented such that the magnet's north and south pole magnet regions are misaligned with respect to the other magnet's north and south pole magnet regions. A first and second stator are mounted around the shaft and positioned adjacent to the permanent magnets. The stators have coils that are wrapped around poles to allow the formation of electromagnets by passing electrical current through the wire coils. A gear train is positioned between the first and second rotors to obtain a higher torque output.