Articulating Bed Side Extensions That Prevent Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed designs fail to provide a flexible solution for accommodating varying sizes, as they either lack extendable and retractable features or suffer from binding issues and structural limitations when articulating.
Innovation Solution
An articulating bed with four sections, featuring two side extensions that are pivotally connected and can extend or retract, using extension members that move within cross-tubes to prevent binding and provide structural support, allowing for easy adjustment and accessory attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If side extensions are added to increase bed width, then the bed can accommodate varying sizes, but the extensions may bind or interfere with deck articulation
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members are received within the cross-tubes, creating a nested configuration where the extension mechanism is housed inside the structural tube. This nesting allows the extensions to move freely within the cross-tube interior without external interference, preventing binding while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The side extensions are divided into multiple pieces (first, second, third, and fourth pieces) that are pivotally connected. This segmentation allows each piece to move independently through articulation, preventing binding that would occur in a rigid single-piece extension while still providing the needed width adjustment capability.
2Strength
If extension members extend far into cross-tubes for structural support, then structural integrity is improved, but the extensions may bind during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members extend partially into the cross-tubes (about one-half to three-quarters of the cross-tube length) rather than fully or excessively. This partial extension provides sufficient structural support and stiffness to prevent twisting and binding, while leaving enough clearance for smooth movement during articulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces are used in side extensions for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple extension pieces are pivotally connected to form a unified side extension assembly that moves and articulates as a coordinated unit. This merging of multiple pieces through pivotal connections provides flexibility and adaptability while maintaining relatively simple operation, as the pieces work together rather than requiring independent control of each component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to bed with extendable and retractable extensions. An articulating bed having four sections that articulate in conventional manner is provided. Two side extensions are provided that allow the deck width to be increased in width. Each extension has four pieces that act in unison and that are pivotally connected. The pivotal connections can be made of tabs formed from the side tubes of the respective sections. The first and fourth pieces have extension members that extend into preferably about half way through cross tubes of the first and fourth respective deck sections. The extension members can have glides that assist in the movement within the cross tubes. Pins can be provided to allow for rapid adjustment of the side extensions. Accessories can be removably pinned to the side extension for rapid removal.