Adjustable Bed Frame with Angled Wedges for Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bedding products require complex assembly processes and tools, leading to inefficiencies in shipping, storage, and user experience due to the need for multiple components and hardware, which can result in frustration and negative perceptions for consumers.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable bed base design featuring leg assemblies with wedges that can be easily attached to the frame without tools, allowing for inclined positioning and simplified assembly, with adjustable leg lengths and removable components for shipping and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional bed frames are shipped in an unassembled state with separate support legs, then shipping and storage efficiency is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support leg and the bed frame are merged into a single integrated component. The leg assembly includes a leg portion and a frame portion that are pre-attached, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these components. This integration directly reduces assembly time and complexity while maintaining the ability to ship in a compact state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support leg is pre-assembled with the bed frame before shipping. The leg portion is pre-attached to the frame portion using quick-connect mechanisms or snap-fits, so that when the product is received, the assembly is already partially completed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for customers to perform complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If hardware and tools are required for bed frame assembly, then connection strength is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The leg assembly is designed to be self-assembling without requiring external tools or hardware. The leg portion and frame portion feature self-aligning geometries and self-securing mechanisms such as snap-fits, cam-locks, or friction-based connections that automatically provide sufficient connection strength when properly engaged, eliminating the need for wrenches, screwdrivers, or other tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary quick-connect mechanism is introduced between the leg portion and frame portion. This mediator component enables tool-free assembly while maintaining connection strength through engineered friction surfaces, mechanical interlocking, or spring-loaded locking features that do not require external fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for adjustable leg assemblies, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leg assembly is designed as a universal component that can be adjusted to multiple positions and configurations. The single integrated leg assembly includes built-in adjustment mechanisms such as telescopic sections, pivot joints, or height-adjustable features that provide versatility without requiring multiple separate components. This multi-functional design maintains adaptability while reducing overall complexity.

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

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 solution enables easy assembly and adjustment of bedding products, reducing shipping and storage complexities while maintaining stability and user convenience, allowing for efficient packaging and minimizing tool requirements.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the wedges is sandwiched between one of the leg assemblies and one of the mounting brackets to incline the stationary frame relative to a support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentUS11751695B2Bedding product with angled wedges for tilt feature
Publication Date: 2023.09.12 L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO
  • US11751695B2 patent drawing
  • US11751695B2 patent drawing
  • US11751695B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bedding product such as an adjustable bed comprises a stationary frame which is inclined regardless of the position of the adjustable bed. The stationary frame is supported by multiple leg assemblies of different heights. Due to wedges sandwiched between the leg assemblies and mounting brackets of the stationary frame, the leg assemblies remain flat on the ground providing a stable support for the bedding product. Each leg assembly is secured to one of the mounting brackets.