Retractable Bed Base Geometry for Independent Leg and Thigh Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed designs with complex mechanisms and extensive support frames limit the variability and comfort of leg and thigh inclinations, making it difficult to access or exit the bed, especially when trying to achieve a 'chair' position.
Innovation Solution
A deployable bed base with a simple structure featuring a non-reclining central part and reclining parts for the back, head, thighs, and legs, where the thigh and leg parts are connected to a common power source, allowing independent tilting with a variable geometry drive system that avoids the need for numerous connecting elements, enabling the bed to be easily converted into a chair position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complex mechanism with numerous tie bars, coupling elements and transmission elements is used to reduce the number of motor sources, then the device complexity is reduced in terms of motor sources, but the device complexity increases due to the presence of numerous mechanical coupling elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mechanical coupling elements (tie bars, transmission elements) by directly connecting each reclining part to its own motor source. This removes the intermediary mechanical elements that previously connected multiple parts to a single motor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the drive system by providing separate motor sources for each reclining part (head, back, thighs, legs). This segmentation allows each part to be controlled independently without requiring complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing the number of coupling elements while maintaining full automation capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support extends over the entire length of the box spring and includes a frame surrounding the box spring on all four sides, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as certain manipulations and gestures of using the bed become difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure by providing separate supports for the head portion and foot portion that extend only partially along the box spring length. This segmentation creates open spaces at the head and foot ends, improving user accessibility for entering and exiting the bed while maintaining structural stability through targeted support placement.
3Device complexity
If the leg part is constrained to follow the inclination of the thigh part, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as the inclination of the leg part cannot be independently adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system by providing separate motor sources for the thigh part and leg part, allowing each to be inclined independently. This segmentation enables adaptable positioning where the leg part can be adjusted to different angles relative to the thigh part, improving versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular motor control.
4Stability of the object's composition
If numerous tie bars, coupling elements and transmission elements are used to connect the support, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates numerous tie bars, coupling elements and transmission elements by directly mounting each reclining part to its own motor source and support structure. This removal of intermediary connecting elements reduces device complexity while maintaining structural stability through direct rigid connections between motors, parts, and supports.
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 allows for a wide range of comfortable inclinations for the legs and thighs, enhancing user accessibility and flexibility in bed positions without the need for additional support, such as cushions, while minimizing the complexity of the drive system and support structure.
Implementation Method 1
connecting the motor source to the part for the thighs by at least one articulated arm and by connecting the motor source to the part for the legs by at least one arm of fixed or adjustable length
Implementation Method 2
by raising, or tilting upwards, the part for the thighs by the motor source and by raising the part for the legs by the part for the thighs, an approximately variable geometry triangle is formed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The base has adjustable parts (12-15) for back, head, posts and legs, pivotingly assembled around transversal pivoting axes (P1, P2). A driving unit (22) e.g. electric motor, has a common motor source in which the parts are connected by a hinge in a manner that inclination of the part (15) does not follow inclination of the part (14) and part (15) passes under a plane that is defined by an non-adjustable central part (11) for arranging the base in armchair position.