Adjustable foundation with service position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed foundations lack easy access for servicing components, particularly electrical components, as they typically only adjust between a lower and upper position, making it difficult to access internal parts for maintenance or repairs.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bed foundation with an electric actuator that raises a deck panel between lower and raised positions, and allows manual movement to a service position further than the upper position, enabling access to internal components for servicing, featuring a deck mechanism with a lever arm, roller, and linkage system that rotates past vertical to facilitate access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the deck mechanism is limited to actuator-controlled positions only, then the actuation system remains simple and reliable, but access to internal components for servicing becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The deck mechanism transitions from a static, actuator-controlled system to a dynamic system that allows manual override. The deck panel can be manually pushed past the actuator's maximum travel point to reach a service position, enabling access to internal components while maintaining the original actuator mechanism for normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service maintenance by allowing users to manually position the deck panel at a service position without requiring external assistance or disassembly. The deck panel can be directly pushed to expose internal components for user-friendly servicing.
2Ease of operation
If the deck panel is raised to a higher service position, then accessibility to internal components is improved, but the actuator must travel further increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The deck mechanism's movement is segmented into two distinct phases: actuator-controlled movement for normal positioning, and manual pushing for service positioning. This segmentation allows the actuator to maintain its original travel limits while users can independently extend the range to reach service positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck panel itself acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the service position. Users manually push the deck panel beyond the actuator's control point, using the deck panel as a mediator to bridge the gap between actuator limitations and service accessibility requirements.
3Ease of repair
If the deck mechanism allows manual positioning beyond actuator limits, then service access is enabled, but control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial automation where the actuator provides precise control for normal operation positions, while manual action is permitted for the excessive service position. This partial action approach maintains precision where needed while enabling access where precision is less critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation for a bed system can include an actuator, a deck mechanism operably related to the actuator so as to be actuated between raised and lowered positions in response to actuation by the actuator, and a controller operably connected to the actuator and configured to drive the actuator to actuate the deck mechanism between a lower position and an upper position. The deck mechanism can be configured to move to a service position that is further than the upper position. The deck mechanism can expose and permit access to a serviceable component when the deck mechanism is in the service position. A method of using a foundation having a service position is also described.