Adjustable Bed with Single-Actuator Zero-Wall-Clearance Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable bed designs are mechanically complex, heavy, and costly, making them unsuitable for domestic applications where weight and cost considerations are critical, and they do not maintain occupant proximity to surrounding furniture during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bed with zero wall clearance and zero gravity functionality, featuring a frame with articulated support sections and a single linear actuator for coordinated movement, utilizing cam means and cam followers to maintain occupant proximity to walls and enable a recumbent zero-gravity position without complex actuating elements, reducing weight and cost while allowing for a low-profile design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a robust box-section construction with multiple load-bearing arcuate members and cross-members is used, then structural rigidity and alignment stability are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex box-section construction, multiple load-bearing arcuate members, and cross-members from the bed structure. Instead, it uses a simplified support section with a single arcuate support member that runs on a curved guide, removing unnecessary structural elements while maintaining alignment stability throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support system into independent support sections, each with its own single arcuate support member running on a curved guide. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted independently without requiring a rigid box-section construction, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linear actuators are provided for each movable section, then adjustment functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment functionality into a single linear actuator that controls the support section's movement along the curved guide. This single actuator replaces multiple actuators, reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve various positions including the zero-gravity position through the geometric design of the curved guide.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it raises and lowers the support section, adjusts the angle to various positions, and enables the zero-gravity position. The curved guide geometry ensures that one actuator can achieve all required adjustment positions, making the actuator multi-functional.
3Device complexity
If a single linear actuator with cam means is used, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but maintaining coordinated movement and zero wall clearance functionality becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a curved guide (arcuate path) that geometrically constrains the support section's movement. The curvature of the guide is designed to automatically maintain zero wall clearance and achieve the zero-gravity position as the single linear actuator moves the support section along this predetermined curved path, eliminating the need for complex coordination control.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide acts as an intermediary between the single linear actuator and the support section's final position. It translates the linear actuator's simple back-and-forth motion into the complex coordinated movement required for zero wall clearance and zero-gravity positioning, mediating the control function without adding actuator complexity.
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 provides a mechanically simpler, lighter, and cost-effective adjustable bed that maintains occupant proximity to walls and supports a zero-gravity recumbent position, offering significant weight and cost advantages while ensuring durability and performance, particularly suitable for domestic use.
Implementation Method 1
curved guide sections (38b, 38c) which define a cam path for the bearing
Implementation Method 2
The curved guide sections (36a, 38a) curve upwards from the respective linear rearward sections (36b, 38b) of the guides which define a cam path for the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an adjustable bed (10) having zero wall clearance and zero gravity functionality. The bed comprises a frame (20) and an adjustable mattress support platform (11) having a plurality of articulated support sections (12, 16, 18) pivotally mounted with respect to one another for relative angular adjustment, and actuator means (52) for effecting coordinated movement of the support sections to reconfigure the bed, between a flat lowered configuration and a raised configuration for supporting an occupant in a zero gravity recumbent position. The actuator means comprises a single actuator, preferably a single linear actuator.