Height-Adjustable Bed Bearing With One-Handed Detent Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed or mattress base height-adjustment systems are complex, expensive, and difficult to use, often requiring two-handed operation and accessing small gaps between slats for manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable mount with a stationary base component and a vertically movable adjustment component featuring detent paths and unlocking devices that allow one-handed operation without direct access to the mount, utilizing opposite detent means for locking and unlocking, and a return component for residue-free adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manually operable blocking pieces are used for height adjustment, then the bearing can be locked in different positions, but the accessibility of the locking piece is often not given and two-handed handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (spring-loaded locking element connected to two locking levers) that mediates between the user's single-handed operation and the dual locking requirements. The coupling part with spring-loaded element automatically engages both locking levers when one is actuated, serving as a mediator that translates single-handed input into dual-sided locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism exhibits self-service characteristics where the spring-loaded locking element automatically returns to its locking position after being released, and the two locking levers automatically engage with each other via toothing. The system serves itself by maintaining locked positions without continuous user intervention and automatically resetting when the release lever is actuated.
2Reliability
If complex locking devices with multiple components are used, then the bearing can be securely locked, but the overall construction becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The coupling part combines two locking levers with a spring-loaded locking element that simultaneously controls both levers. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall construction while maintaining secure locking capability through the interconnected lever system.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part serves multiple functions: it connects the two locking levers, provides the spring-loaded locking element for automatic engagement, enables the toothing interaction between levers, and facilitates the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms requiring direct access are used, then the bearing can be adjusted, but the adjustment point is difficult to access in installed state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the operation interface from a single point (traditional locking piece) to a distributed system with two accessible locking levers. By distributing the locking interface across two levers that can be accessed from different directions, the system transforms the dimensional constraint of single-point access into a multi-point access system, improving accessibility in installed states.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The retainer has a fixed base part (1) and a vertical adjustable component (2) comprising detents (4) arranged one behind the other opposite to mutual detent trajectories (3), where the fixed base part and the vertical adjustable component have latch units (5) e.g. upper detents (11). The latch units are locked with one another in different positions. An unlocking device comprises a reconducting component (6) e.g. carriage (9), activated after excess of maximum rise. The reconducting component cancels locking to a minimal value for race-free recovery of the adjustable component.