Adjustable Bunk Mechanism for Space-Saving Floor Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In environments with limited space, such as boats, existing furnishings lack efficient space-saving solutions that allow for multiple functions without manual adjustment, limiting versatility and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The development of automatically adjustable bunk apparatus with a substantially horizontal portion and an adjustable portion that can pivot between extended and retracted configurations, utilizing an automatic adjuster and controller to change positions, forming a flat surface in both configurations and exposing additional floor area when retracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If bunk apparatus is made fixed and non-adjustable, then device complexity is reduced, but space utilization and versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bunk apparatus employs movable components including an adjustable portion that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, and a horizontal portion that can move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration allows the bunk to adapt between providing sleeping space and maximizing floor area, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and space utilization versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If bunk apparatus is made manually adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidmanual adjustment effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bunk apparatus incorporates an automatic adjuster that autonomously positions the adjustable portion and horizontal portion between extended and retracted configurations without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the operational effort needed for configuration changes while maintaining full adaptability between bunk and floor space modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automatic adjuster system that uses motorized or automated mechanisms to reposition bunk components. This substitution eliminates the need for human physical effort in adjusting the bunk configuration while preserving the full range of motion and positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of moving object

If bunk apparatus occupies full floor area when extended, then sleeping space is improved, but available floor area when retracted deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebunk surface areaVSAvoidexposed floor area

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable portion of the bunk apparatus pivots between positions, utilizing rotational movement to transition from an extended configuration that maximizes sleeping surface area to a retracted configuration that exposes floor area. This dimensional change through pivoting allows the same components to serve dual purposes: providing bunk surface when needed and clearing floor space when retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal portion moves between extended and retracted positions, dynamically adjusting the footprint of the bunk apparatus. When extended, it maximizes the sleeping area; when retracted, it minimizes the occupied floor area, thereby exposing more floor space. This dynamic position adjustment directly addresses the area trade-off between bunk functionality and floor availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 space-efficient use of bunk surfaces in limited spaces by automatically adjusting to provide additional floor area when not in use, enhancing versatility and convenience without manual operation.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustable portion that can pivot between extended and retracted configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

utilizing an automatic adjuster and controller to change positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8499377B2Automatically adjustable bunk

Publication Date: 2013.08.06 CHAPARRAL BOATS

AI summary

Automatically adjustable bunk apparatus are described that can be used, for example, in applications in which space is limited, such as, for example, boats and recreational vehicles. The automatically adjustable bunk apparatus can be configured in an extended bunk configuration or a space saving retracted configuration. The automatically adjustable bunk apparatus have a substantially horizontal portion and an adjustable portion either of which can be configured to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the automatically adjustable bunk apparatus is in its retracted configuration, the adjustable portion is positioned outside the plane of the horizontal portion, and when the automatically adjustable bunk apparatus is in its extended position, the horizontal portion and the adjustable portion form a substantially flat surface.