Articulating Bed Assembly with Torque Tubes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed frames lack the ability to integrate articulating bed functionality, limiting user positioning options and compatibility with interior design motifs.
Innovation Solution
An articulating assembly that includes side supports on a bed frame with axles and torque tubes, supported by actuator assemblies to rotate the upper body and thigh support frames from a horizontal to a fully articulated position, allowing for adjustable positioning within a conventional bed frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete specialized articulating bed frame is provided, then articulating functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating assembly is divided into separate functional modules: side supports that attach to conventional bed frames, axles for rotation, torque tubes for structural support, and actuator assemblies for movement control. This segmentation allows the articulating mechanism to be added as a modular unit rather than requiring a complete specialized frame, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining articulating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The side supports are designed to be universally compatible with conventional bed frames through attachment mechanisms that can be secured to standard side rails. This universality allows the articulating assembly to function with existing bed frame designs rather than requiring specialized frames, reducing complexity and enabling integration with various interior design motifs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bed frames are used, then compatibility with interior design motifs is maintained, but articulating functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating assembly merges the functionality of conventional bed frames with articulating capabilities by integrating the actuator assemblies and torque tubes into a unified structure. The side supports attach to conventional frame side rails, combining the simplicity of standard frames with the positioning options of articulating beds, thereby maintaining compatibility with interior design motifs while adding articulating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The side supports act as intermediary elements that connect conventional bed frame side rails to the articulating mechanism. These supports provide the interface between the static conventional frame and the dynamic articulating components, enabling integration without requiring complete frame redesign while maintaining both structural integrity and articulating functionality.
3Ease of operation
If actuator assemblies are added to enable articulation, then positioning versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assemblies are designed as self-contained units that include all necessary components for articulation control. Each actuator assembly integrates the motor, transmission mechanism, and mounting structure into a single self-sufficient module that requires minimal external infrastructure, thereby improving positioning adjustability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating assembly for an adjustable bed has side supports received on side rails of a bed frame. A first axle extends between the side supports and a second axle extending between the side supports defining a fixed center section. An upper body support frame has a first torque tube concentrically received on the first axle. A thigh support frame has a second torque tube concentrically received on the second axle. A first actuator assembly supported in the center section is operably attached to rotate the first torque tube to articulate the upper body support frame over a range of positions from a horizontal unarticulated position to a fully articulated position. A second actuator assembly supported in the center section is operably attached to rotate the second torque tube to articulate the thigh support frame over a range of positions from a horizontal unarticulated position to a fully articulated position.