Adjustable Bed Frame Coupling for Tool-Free Secure Joining

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a secure and easily releasable method to couple two beds or bed frames together without requiring tools, as existing solutions either lack stability or are cumbersome, especially in applications like hotels where flexibility is necessary, and there is a lack of simple, market-available devices for combining single beds into a double bed.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with a foot and stem that includes a support bracket with parallel wall elements, allowing frame sections to be securely connected without tools, featuring adjustable height through a threaded spindle and sleeve, and a protective rubber-like material for floor compatibility, enabling secure and tool-free connection of beds of varying heights and manufacturers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two beds are merely pushed into each other without any coupling device, then the arrangement is simple and requires no additional components, but the connection is insecure and users may fall between the beds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into distinct functional segments: a support bracket with wall elements for securing bed frames, a height adjustment mechanism with spindle and sleeve, and a foot with protective material. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment mechanism employs a nested structure where the spindle is inserted into the sleeve, and the foot contains the height adjustment means. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the device structure while maintaining the necessary functionality for secure and adjustable bed coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If bolt connections are used to securely join bed frames, then a secure connection is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires tools for installation and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation and detachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic, adjustable connection. The height adjustment mechanism allows the device to adapt to different bed heights, and the wall elements can be easily inserted into and removed from the bed frame spaces, enabling tool-free installation and detachment while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support bracket with wall elements acts as an intermediary between the two bed frames, providing a secure connection without requiring direct bolting of the frames together. This intermediary device simplifies the connection process while ensuring stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a U-formed bracket with bolts is used to connect bed frames, then a secure connection is achieved, but tools are necessary for mounting and the arrangement is proprietary to specific frame dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcompatibility with different bed frames
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed with universal adaptability through its adjustable height mechanism and generic support bracket structure. The wall elements can accommodate bed frames of various dimensions, and the height adjustment allows the device to work with different bed types and manufacturers, eliminating proprietary limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The height of the support bracket can be adjusted by rotating the spindle within the sleeve, changing the vertical parameter of the device. This parameter adjustment enables the coupling device to adapt to different bed frame heights and configurations, enhancing versatility while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the coupling device height is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot accommodate beds of different heights or manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different bed heightsVSAvoidheight adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates a dynamic height adjustment mechanism where the spindle can rotate within the sleeve to change the effective height. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt to different bed heights while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides a stable, secure, and easily detachable connection between two beds or bed frames, adaptable to different heights and manufacturers, without the need for tools, enhancing safety and flexibility in applications like hotels and private use.

Implementation Method 1

The stem includes a threaded spindle (2) engaging an internally threaded sleeve (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The foot may include a layer made of a protective material. The protective material is preferably a material with a soft surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3009050B1Coupling device
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 EKORNES
  • EP3009050B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

It is described a coupling device for coupling two beds or bed frames together, the device including a foot (1) supporting a stem composed of a spindle (2) and sleeve (3), the stem supporting a support bracket, the support bracket including three parallel wall elements (4-6) on a base element, defining two spaces therebetween, the spaces being adapted to accommodate frames of said two beds.