Adjustable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term care facility beds require adjustable head and foot sections for patient comfort, but existing solutions often rely on multiple manual cranks or electric actuators, which can be cumbersome and lack flexibility in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A bed platform frame with first and second support frame assemblies, each with actuators for independent or linked movement of mattress supports, allowing for adjustable positions and configurations using electric or mechanical actuators, enabling flexible adjustment of bed sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual crank devices or electric actuators are used to provide separate elevating movement of head end and foot end sections, then the bed sections can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for multiple separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated actuator that can simultaneously control both the head end and foot end sections of the bed. This single actuator incorporates multiple output shafts or linkage mechanisms that distribute motion to different bed sections, thereby reducing the total number of actuators while maintaining independent adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple adjustment tasks. It can independently elevate the head end section, elevate the foot end section, or adjust the entire bed frame relative to the support surface, replacing what would traditionally require three separate actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manual crank devices or electric actuators are used to provide separate elevating movement, then the bed sections can be adjusted independently, but the ease of operation worsens due to the cumbersome nature of multiple control devices
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple control functions into a single actuator with a single control interface, the system eliminates the need for operators to manually switch between multiple crank devices or actuators. The single actuator can be controlled through one interface to achieve various bed section adjustments, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Strength
If a rigid supporting frame structure is used to attach sleep surface and components, then structural strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and adaptability worsen due to limited configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is segmented into multiple independent sections (head end section, foot end section, and support frame) that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each section maintains structural integrity through rigid construction but can be independently controlled by the actuator system, allowing various configurations while preserving overall strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame structure is made dynamically adjustable through the integration of the multi-functional actuator system. The frame can transition between different configurations (elevated head, elevated foot, or full flat position) while maintaining structural strength, combining rigidity with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary bed platform frame includes first and second support frame assemblies, each including a pair of spaced apart rails, a cross member extending between the pair of spaced apart rails, and an actuator support member coupled to the cross member. The spaced apart rails of the first support frame assembly are connected to the spaced apart rails of the second support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly. The actuator support member of the first support frame assembly is coupled to the cross member of the second support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly. The actuator support member of the second support frame assembly is coupled to the cross member of the first support frame assembly when the first support frame assembly is assembled with the second support frame assembly.