Ergonomically adjustable bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reclining devices lack ergonomic adjustability, often requiring significant effort to change positions and may cause back tension due to improper axis of rotation, and existing ergonomic loungers are either non-adjustable, complex, or require a power connection, making them unsuitable for outdoor use.

Innovation Solution

A reclining device with a variable seat depth adjustment system comprising interconnected side parts, a backrest, and a foot part, utilizing self-locking mechanisms and guide rods for continuous adjustment between horizontal and ergonomic sitting positions, allowing users to change positions effortlessly without getting up.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional non-ergonomic couches are used, then the structure is simple and inexpensive, but the adjustability is limited and causes back tension

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reclining device is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments: backrest element, seat element, and foot part element. Each segment can be adjusted separately along its own axis, allowing continuous position variation without requiring complex integrated mechanisms. This segmentation enables ergonomic adaptability while keeping individual component structures simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where each element (backrest, seat, foot part) can be continuously repositioned along its respective axis of rotation or translation. The bearing blocks enable smooth rotational and translational movements, transforming the static conventional couch into a dynamically adaptable ergonomic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing ergonomic loungers are used, then ergonomic comfort is improved, but they require power connection or are non-adjustable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic adjustabilityVSAvoidpower connection requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses self-locking mechanisms where the bearing blocks automatically maintain their position through friction and geometric constraints. Once adjusted to a desired position, each element locks in place without requiring continuous power input or manual effort to maintain the position. This eliminates the need for power connections while preserving ergonomic adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If conventional couches are used, then manufacturing is simple, but position changes require significant user effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition change effortVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes the mechanical parameters of adjustment by introducing bearing blocks with optimized friction characteristics and geometric configurations. These parameter changes reduce the force required to initiate and maintain position changes, making the system easier to operate while remaining manufacturable with standard components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional reclining devices are used, then structure is simple, but they cause back tension due to improper rotation axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback tensionVSAvoidaxis configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs asymmetric axis configurations for each element rather than symmetric or uniform rotation points. The backrest rotates along a first axis, the seat along a second axis, and the foot part along a third axis, with each axis specifically positioned to align with natural body contours. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates back tension by distributing forces ergonomically, while the modular nature keeps the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables infinite variable adjustment between sitting and lying positions with minimal user effort, maintaining ergonomic comfort without the need for continuous action, and can be manufactured simply and inexpensively for various body sizes, including outdoor use without a power connection.

Implementation Method 1

The first bearing block (102) is locked by self-locking in a locking cutout (61) of at least one outer side part (60)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3560382B1Ergonomically adjustable bed
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 WEIDHAS GERHARD
  • EP3560382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3560382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3560382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reclining device for variably adjusting the position between a substantially horizontal position and an ergonomic seated position, which has at least one right and one left side section, each of which is composed of at least one outer side section (60) and one inner side section (80), a backrest element (90) and a seat surface element (91), which are rotatably connected to one another via a first bearing block (102), and a foot section element (92), which is rotatably connected to the seat surface element (91) via a second bearing block (103), wherein the foot section element (92) is mounted between the right and left side sections via a third bearing block (104), and wherein the first, second and third bearing blocks (102, 103, 104) are each mounted in a corresponding guide in the right and left side sections in such a way as to be translationally movable.that the backrest element (90), the seat element (91), and the footrest element (92) are variably adjustable between a substantially horizontal position and an ergonomically seated position, and wherein the first bearing block (102) is locked by self-locking mechanism via a locking slide (70) in a locking recess (61) in at least one outer side panel (60), and wherein the self-locking mechanism can be released by the user via a hand knob, and wherein, furthermore, the self-locking mechanism is applicable in conjunction with special seat parts (530 and 531) with guide slots (536 and 537) and the guide rods (532 and 533) in conjunction with the locking slide (535) for stepless seat length adjustment.