Adjustable Flexible Slat Bearings for Custom Bed Frame Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed frames with flexible slats have limited horizontal adjustment capabilities, allowing only a small range of displacement (approximately 2 cm), which restricts the adjustment of spacing between slats, limiting customization and support options for lying surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame design featuring flexible slats with movable and adjustable bearing elements that can be actuated by a spring-loaded detent device, allowing for arbitrary displacement and locking along the longitudinal beam, enabling greater flexibility in spacing adjustments and potential height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible slats are supported in fixed bearing elements on longitudinal beams, then the structure is simple and stable, but the horizontal adjustment range is limited to approximately 2 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing element is designed to be movable along the longitudinal beam rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the flexible slat position. The bearing element can be displaced horizontally along the longitudinal beam and locked at desired positions, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic, adjustable one that provides extensive horizontal adjustment range while maintaining structural stability through the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing element is divided into separable components including a movable bearing body and a locking mechanism that can be independently assembled and adjusted. This segmentation allows the bearing element to move along the longitudinal beam and be locked at various positions, enabling the flexible slat to be repositioned horizontally over a large range while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bearing element is made movable with spring-loaded detent device, then large displacement range is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent device automatically engages with the longitudinal beam to lock the bearing element at desired positions without requiring manual intervention for locking. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement and retention, allowing the bearing element to be moved freely along the beam and then self-locked at any position, thereby achieving large displacement flexibility while minimizing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent device creates a dynamic locking system that transitions between locked and unlocked states based on user action. The spring mechanism allows easy movement when unlocked and automatic securing when locked, providing extensive adjustment flexibility while maintaining simple operation through the mechanical spring-based engagement system
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
This design allows for individual adjustment and fixation of flexible slats over any displacement path, enabling customizable spacing and support configurations, enhancing user comfort by allowing different densities of slats in various areas, such as the lumbar region, and allowing for easy addition or removal of slats in a fully assembled frame.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring-loaded detent device, which is actuatable by hand, is situated and which engages with associated receiving profiles in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam and is lockable at that location
Implementation Method 2
Spring elements of this type may be elastomer springs or elements suspended in some other way, which are able to elastically support the particular end face of the flexible slat in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bed frame having flexible slats which are adjustable in a horizontal plane and having at least one bearing element for supporting one end of at least one flexible slat on a longitudinal beam of the bed frame is provided. The bearing element is movable over an arbitrary displacement path along the longitudinal beam. The bearing element includes a housing which accommodates the respective end of the flexible slat and in which at least one spring-loaded detent device, which is actuatable by hand, is situated and which engages with associated receiving profiles in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam and is lockable at that location.