Ultra-compact profile actuation system for an adjustable bed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articulating beds face challenges in maintaining rigidity and compactness due to bulky actuation systems, which limits their placement in various bed furniture pieces and results in inefficient transportation.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-compact profile actuation system is introduced, featuring a carriage with wheels that translates along side frame members, telescoping rotation struts, and fixed length rotation arms, allowing the upper body support to articulate within a reduced thickness profile, masking the actuation components within the frame's vertical profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional actuators are used for articulating the support elements, then the bed can achieve the required positioning functions, but the actuation system becomes bulky and exposes beyond the reduced thickness profile
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system components are nested within the side support structure. The carriage is received within the side support, and the linkages are positioned within the vertical profile of the frame, allowing the bed to maintain a reduced thickness profile while still providing full articulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism transitions from a horizontal arrangement that would require significant angular orientation to a vertical arrangement that utilizes the height dimension. The carriage translates horizontally along the side support while the linkages articulate vertically, enabling compact horizontal profile while maintaining positioning capability.
2Reliability
If conventional actuators with significant angular orientation are used, then leverage is maximized and dead spots are avoided, but the actuation system becomes bulky requiring significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic linkage mechanism where the connection between the carriage and upper body support changes position during operation. The linkage transitions from a retracted position during translation to an extended position during articulation, optimizing leverage dynamically rather than requiring fixed angular orientation throughout the entire range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation function is segmented into two distinct phases: translation of the carriage along the side support, and articulation of the upper body support. This segmentation allows each phase to use optimized mechanics for that specific motion, reducing the overall space required compared to a single continuous actuation mechanism.
3Shape
If the actuation system is exposed due to reduced thickness profile, then the bed achieves modern design requirements, but the utility for placement in various bed furniture pieces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The entire actuation system is nested within the side support structure, with the carriage received within the side support and linkages positioned within the vertical profile. This nesting allows the bed to achieve a sleek, modern profile while maintaining the mechanical functionality needed for various placement configurations and furniture integrations.
4Strength
If conventional bulky packaging is used for transportation, then the actuation system is protected, but transportation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation components are nested within the side support structure, which serves as both a structural element and a protective housing. This integrated nesting eliminates the need for separate bulky packaging during transportation, as the side support itself protects the sensitive actuation mechanisms while maintaining a compact form factor for efficient shipping.
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 enables the articulating bed to maintain rigidity while achieving a compact profile, allowing for versatile placement and efficient transportation by hiding the actuation system within the bed's structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one telescoping rotation strut is attached at a first end and rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members
Implementation Method 2
rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members
Implementation Method 3
A carriage having a seat support is carried by the frame, mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position
Implementation Method 4
translation of the carriage from the first position compressively urges the upper body support against the telescoping rotation struts
Implementation Method 5
The rotating tube is mounted on wheels constrained in a track and translates laterally in the track during the first range of motion
Implementation Method 6
at least one fixed length rotation arms is carried at a first end by a rotating tube and pivotally attaches to the upper body support at a second end
Implementation Method 7
The telescoping struts approach a vertical orientation at a termination of the first range of motion transferring reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arms
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating bed incorporates a support frame with a head end, a foot end and having side frame members. A carriage having a seat support is carried by the frame, mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position through a range progressing toward the head end to a fully translated position. An upper body support is rotatably connected to the carriage and carries a mattress support. At least one telescoping rotation strut is attached at a first end and rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members. The telescoping rotation strut engages at a second end the upper body support. At least one fixed length rotation arm is carried at a first end by a rotating tube and pivotally attaches to the upper body support at a second end. The rotating tube is mounted on wheels constrained in a track and translates laterally in the track to contact a track end proximate the head end of the frame at a termination of a first range of motion. The telescoping strut approaches a vertical orientation and transfers reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arm, whereupon the telescoping rotations struts extend.