A bed, bed assembly method, and bed usage method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beds lack the necessary functionalities to support individuals with deteriorating conditions, such as those due to aging or illness, and are not designed to be discreetly functional, especially when used in living rooms to facilitate social interaction or require transportability.

Innovation Solution

A bed with a vertically extending support frame and a motion system that allows the bed frame to be adjusted in orientation and height, featuring moveable mattress support elements and a control unit for bed shape and pressure adjustments, enabling various positions from lying to sitting, with the ability to be hidden or easily transported.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hospital beds are used to provide additional functionalities for disabled and/or needy people, then the necessary support functionalities are improved, but the appearance and social acceptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport functionalitiesVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bed frame is designed with moveable supports that can independently adjust position along the support frame, enabling dynamic reconfiguration between horizontal sleeping position and vertical sitting position. This dynamic capability provides hospital-grade support functionalities while maintaining a compact, adaptable form factor that can be integrated into home environments without compromising appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bed frame is divided into segmented sections with independent moveable supports (first support connected to proximal end, second support connected to distal end). This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted independently, providing customized support for different body regions while maintaining overall structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the bed frame is supported by legs, then the structural stability is improved, but the space below the bed frame is occupied making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using traditional leg supports, the invention employs a support frame structure that extends vertically along the bed frame. The moveable supports travel along this vertical support frame, effectively copying the stabilizing function of legs while maintaining clear space beneath the bed frame for easy cleaning and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the bed is designed with fixed orientation, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability for different positions and configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidposition adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bed incorporates moveable supports that can independently adjust position along the support frame, transforming the bed from a fixed-orientation structure to a dynamic, multi-position system. This enables the same basic structure to achieve horizontal sleeping, vertical sitting, and intermediate positions without requiring multiple separate bed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame and moveable support system are designed as universal components that can accommodate various bed frame configurations and orientations. The same support mechanism serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling position adjustment, and facilitating both sleeping and sitting modes within a single integrated system.

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

4Ease of operation

If the bed occupies large space in horizontal position, then the comfort for sleeping is improved, but the storage efficiency and transportability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleeping comfortVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bed utilizes dynamic position adjustment capabilities to transition between horizontal sleeping configuration (providing full sleeping comfort) and vertical compact configuration (minimizing space occupation). The moveable supports enable smooth transitions between these states, allowing the bed to optimize its volume based on current usage requirements without compromising sleeping comfort when in horizontal position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3462990B1A bed, bed assembly method, and bed usage method
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 BLOM GROEP BV
  • EP3462990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3462990B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3462990B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a bed comprising: • a support frame (2); • a bed frame (9) having a proximal and distal end opposite to each other; • a support and motion system configured to support and move the bed frame relative to the support frame, and comprising: • a first support (30) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to the proximal end; • a support beam (50); • a second support (40) that is moveable along the support frame, and is connected to an end of the support beam, wherein an opposite end of the support beam is connected to the bed frame at a position in between the proximal and distal end; and • an actuator system (31,41) to independently move the first and second support along the support frame allowing the bed frame to be positioned in orientations parallel and perpendicular to the support frame.