US20230191973A1

A patent co-invented at Lear Corporation for a vehicle head restraint assembly that extends beyond conventional headrest geometry to deliver targeted massage across the cervical and upper thoracic spine (C2–T5). The design embeds paired pneumatic bladders or mechanical massage nodes into a downward-projecting substrate that interfaces with the occupant's neck and shoulder region — a zone conventional headrests don't reach. A controller manages inflation timing, pressure, and pattern, with additional modes that sync massage rhythm to the occupant's breathing and adapt behavior based on seat recline angle. The system is designed for integration with broader seat thermal and wellness features including heating, ventilation, and PEMF therapy.