Adjustable bed assembly with magnetic attachment and methods of manufacturing same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustable bed assemblies with traditional retainer bars face issues such as mattress sliding, bridging, and aesthetic concerns, making it difficult to manipulate or change sheets, and leading to undesirable mattress positioning.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bed assembly using a magnetic attachment system with magnetic members on the mattress and magnet housings on the base, secured by fasteners, to securely attach the mattress to the adjustable base, preventing sliding and bridging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid retainer bar is used to secure the mattress to the adjustable base, then the mattress is firmly held in position and prevented from sliding off, but the mattress cannot be easily manipulated for rotation or sheet changes
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bar is divided into multiple segments: a rigid portion for structural support and attachment to the base, and a flexible portion that can bend and deform. This segmentation allows the retainer to maintain firm holding capability while enabling easy manipulation of the mattress by allowing the flexible segment to yield during rotation or sheet changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer bar transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with flexible portions that can change shape. The flexible portion dynamically adapts its rigidity - remaining firm during normal operation but yielding when the mattress needs to be manipulated, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a large metal retainer bar is used to secure the mattress, then the mattress is firmly held in position, but the aesthetic appearance of the bed is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the retainer bar have different properties: the portion that contacts the mattress and provides securing force is made of rigid material for effectiveness, while the visible portions are made of flexible material that can be concealed within the mattress or base structure. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between securing effectiveness and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible retainer bar acts as an intermediary between the rigid structural requirements and the aesthetic requirements. It provides the necessary mechanical securing force while its flexibility allows it to be hidden or blended into the overall bed design, thus mediating between functional and aesthetic demands.
3Reliability
If a rigid retainer bar is used with an adjustable base, then the mattress is held firmly in position, but mattress bridging occurs where the mattress separates from the base when articulated
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retainer bar dynamically adapts its shape during articulation of the adjustable base. As the base articulates and the mattress moves, the flexible retainer bends and deforms to maintain continuous contact between the mattress and base, preventing bridging while still providing firm holding. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between firm holding and continuous contact.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic attachment system effectively secures the mattress to the adjustable base, allowing easy manipulation and sheet changes while maintaining ergonomic positioning without the drawbacks of traditional retainer bars.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet configured to be secured to the upper surface of the adjustable base
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic attachment system includes a magnetic member for securing to the lower surface of a mattress and at least one magnet configured to be secured to the upper surface of the adjustable base. The magnetic member may comprise a magnetic bar or a flexible bar including one or more metal plates positioned at a predetermined location on the flexible bar. A cover may surround the mattress, the cover including a pocket for receiving the magnetic member adjacent to the lower surface of the mattress and defining one or more windows, such that when the magnetic member is received in the pocket, the one or more metal plates are exposed through the window. An adjustable bed assembly includes a mattress and adjustable base operably connected with the magnetic attachment system.