An adjustable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds face issues with thicker mattresses causing mechanical strain, ergonomic discomfort due to improper angle adjustment, visibility of actuators, and lack of zero-wall functionality, which affects operational efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bed design featuring coordinated pivotal movements between support platforms, including a mattress bend support platform, to maintain ergonomic angles and conceal actuators, while allowing zero-wall operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If thicker mattresses are used to improve comfort, then mattress thickness increases, but the weight and stiffness place unacceptable load on the operating mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple independently adjustable support platforms (head section, seat section, thigh section, foot section) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the mechanism to adjust only the necessary sections rather than moving the entire heavy mattress assembly, reducing the load on actuators while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platforms are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing each section to be independently positioned at different angles. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt to various user positions and mattress thicknesses without requiring the entire mechanism to move heavy loads, thereby improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the backrest is raised to a high angle to improve ergonomics, then the angle of elevation increases, but the angle between the seat platform and raised back support platform causes operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The seat support platform and back support platform are merged into a coordinated system where both platforms move together in a synchronized manner. This merging ensures that the angle relationship between platforms remains consistent during adjustment, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the positions and angles of multiple platforms, automatically adjusting them to maintain optimal ergonomic relationships. This feedback control simplifies operation by eliminating the need for manual coordination between multiple platforms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the actuator and connecting means are made visible to show mechanical functionality, then mechanical components are exposed, but aesthetics are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and connecting means are nested within the structural framework of the bed, specifically integrated into the headboard assembly. This nesting allows the mechanical components to be concealed within the aesthetic housing, eliminating visual impact while maintaining full mechanical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The headboard structure serves as an intermediary element that houses the actuator and connecting means. This intermediary housing conceals the mechanical components from view while transmitting the actuation forces to the support platforms, thereby resolving the conflict between functionality and aesthetics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bed is designed with zero-wall functionality to maintain occupant position, then the support carriage is slidably moveable, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support carriage is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support element and as a sliding mechanism for zero-wall functionality. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support carriage incorporates dynamic sliding capabilities along the side rails, allowing it to automatically adjust its position as the back support platform is raised or lowered. This dynamic adjustment maintains the occupant's proximity to the wall without requiring complex control systems, as the sliding action is driven by the platform movement itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero-wall adjustable bed (10) comprising a base (12), a support carriage (19) slidably moveable relative to the base (12), an actuator (26), a support platform (16) comprising a back support platform (18), a lower support platform (91) and a mattress bend support platform (21) positioned between the back support platform (18) and the lower support platform (20), the actuator effecting co-ordinated pivotal movement between the mattress bend support platform (21) and the lower support platform (20), and the mattress bend support platform (21) and the back support platform (18) as the back support platform (18) moves between lowered and raised positions.