Adjustable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds face issues with the angle of elevation between the seat and raised back support section, which is not ergonomically ideal and can cause operational problems due to the weight and stiffness of thicker mattresses, leading to mechanical failure and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating intermediary short platform sections between the seat and backrest to form a gentle curve as the bed is raised, reducing the force required by the actuator and minimizing wear and tear, while also allowing for a lower profile design for easier manufacturing, storage, and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest is raised to a high angle (up to 65 degrees) from the horizontal plane, then the occupant can be raised from a lying position to a seated position, but the angle of elevation between the seat and raised back support section causes significant operational problems and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is divided into multiple adjustable sections (head section, backrest section, seat section, thigh section, foot section) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each section to move through optimized angular ranges, avoiding the problematic high-angle elevation between seat and backrest while still achieving comfortable seated positions. The modular design enables precise control over the relative angles between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved guide rails and arc-shaped movement paths for the adjustable sections. The backrest and seat sections follow curved trajectories during adjustment, which naturally limits the maximum angle of elevation between them to a more ergonomic range (approximately 45-50 degrees rather than 65 degrees). This curvature ensures smooth, natural movement that maintains reliable operation while providing comfortable positioning.
2Ease of operation
If thicker, heavier mattresses (12-18 inches) are used to meet customer demand, then comfort is improved, but the overall weight and stiffness place an unacceptable load on the operating mechanism, causing motors to struggle and reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bed into multiple lightweight, adjustable sections connected by low-friction mechanisms, the system distributes the load from thick mattresses across multiple small motors rather than requiring one large motor to lift the entire assembly. Each motor only needs to move its local section through a controlled range, significantly reducing the force requirements and extending motor life even with heavy 12-18 inch mattresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sections provide dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the bed to adapt to different user positions and mattress characteristics. The system can optimize the angle and support distribution for each section independently, reducing the overall mechanical stress on the structure and motors when supporting thick, heavy mattresses throughout their operational life.
3Ease of manufacture
If a foldable frame design is implemented to enable easier manufacturing, storage, and transportation, then the profile is reduced for more efficient shipping and assembly, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as multiple detachable sections that can be folded flat for shipping and easily assembled by the end user. Each section contains the necessary adjustment mechanisms for its local area, and the sections connect through simple interface elements. This segmentation reduces the shipping profile to a compact flat package while distributing the structural complexity across modular units rather than requiring a single complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable sections are designed to nest within each other when folded, with smaller sections fitting into spaces within larger sections. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall shipping dimensions and package volume, enabling efficient storage and transportation while maintaining all the necessary adjustment functionality for each bed section.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an adjustable bed (10) comprising a frame (20) and an adjustable mattress support platform having a plurality of articulated mattress support sections (12- 8) pivotally mounted for relative angular adjustment with respect to the frame. The mattress support sections including at least one adjustable backrest support section (12) and at least one adjustable mattress bend support section (13) adjacent to the backrest section, actuator means (40) for effecting co-ordinated pivotal movement of the adjustable mattress support sections for reconfiguring the bed between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration for supporting an occupant in flat or raised positions.