Semicircular Truss Bed Frame for Earthquake Debris Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed frames fail to provide adequate protection from falling and flying debris during earthquakes and other structural failures, being either unsightly, structurally inadequate, or cost-prohibitive, with previous solutions requiring user intervention and lacking in stability and ease of transport.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame with a semicircular arched roof and truss panels made of high-strength, lightweight materials like FRP, supported by shock-absorbing bases and a puncture-resistant canopy, designed for easy assembly and transport, providing enhanced structural support and protection from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional bed frames are used, then the bed is simple and inexpensive, but it provides no protection from falling debris during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bed frame with an overhead protective canopy structure into a single integrated unit. The canopy is supported by upright posts that are part of the bed frame itself, merging the functions of support and protection into one unified structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead canopy employs a semicircular arched roof design with curved arches instead of flat or angular structures. This curvature provides structural strength to resist collapsing forces from falling debris while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance that resembles traditional architectural features.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heavy protective structures are built, then protection from debris is improved, but transport and installation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials for constructing the overhead canopy and structural components. These composites provide high strength-to-weight ratio, delivering robust protection against falling debris while keeping the overall weight manageable for transport and assembly by a reasonable number of people.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex mechanical mechanisms are added for protection, then safety is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical drives, hydraulic systems, and spring-loaded mechanisms from the design. Instead, it employs a passive structural system where the overhead canopy and arches provide automatic protection through their inherent structural integrity, eliminating the need for expensive active mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The design favors simpler, more economical materials and construction methods that can be manufactured at lower cost. The FRP composite structure and modular assembly approach enable cost-effective production compared to expensive mechanical protection systems, making the solution accessible to broader populations in earthquake-prone areas.
4Shape
If the protective structure is made aesthetically pleasing, then user acceptance is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The semicircular arched roof design achieves both aesthetic appeal and structural strength simultaneously. The curved arches are inherently stronger than flat surfaces for resisting compressive and collapsing forces, while the traditional architectural style provides visual appeal that enhances user acceptance and willingness to use the protective structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective sleep structure is provided which is adapted to protect occupants of a bed placed thereunder during an earthquake and the like. The structure includes an arched roof extending to a rectangular base supported by a plurality of truss panels formed as unitary structures. A canopy layer formed of solid material covering the arched roof provides additional structural rigidity as well as a shield against debris falling through the arched roof toward occupants below.