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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric beds have unstable link rods due to misalignment of structural components, which hinder effective lifting of the backrest and headrest frames, as the link rods extend parallel to the structural components and rely on a driver for support.
Innovation Solution
The electric bed incorporates a lift unit with a power element, a rod, backrest and headrest drivers, a lever system, and a threaded bolt mechanism that allows the backrest driver to move within a slot, enabling the headrest frame to be lifted independently of the backrest, with a roller engaging the backrest frame at the slot's end to stabilize the lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a link rod is used to connect structural components, then the backrest can be supported, but the link rod becomes unstable because the slot is located close to the driver and angle brackets are formed on different structural components
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded bolt is introduced as an intermediary component between the driver and the backrest frame. The threaded bolt engages with the slot in the lug and is actuated by the driver, providing a stable connection mechanism that resolves the instability issue while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a direct linear link rod to a threaded engagement system that utilizes rotational motion (another dimension of movement). The threaded bolt converts the linear motion of the driver into rotational engagement with the slot, providing stability through a different kinematic approach
2Device complexity
If the link rod extends substantially parallel to the structural component, then the structure is simplified, but the link rod is not useful for lifting the structural component because it relies on the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static link rod arrangement to a dynamic threaded engagement mechanism. The threaded bolt can engage and disengage from the slot, allowing the backrest frame to be lifted and positioned dynamically while maintaining structural simplicity when engaged
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is segmented from the support function. The threaded bolt handles the lifting action by engaging with the slot, while the overall link rod structure maintains its simplified parallel arrangement for support, separating these two functions into distinct operational phases
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 configuration enhances the stability and functionality of the bed by allowing controlled and synchronized lifting of the headrest and backrest frames, improving the overall usability and convenience of the electric bed.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded bolt inserted in the backrest driver and the slot of the lug of the backrest frame
Implementation Method 2
a roller supported on the backrest lever, and a threaded bolt inserted in the backrest driver and the slot of the lug of the backrest frame. The roller is away from the backrest frame before the threaded bolt reaches the closed end of the slot. The roller is in contact with the backrest frame when the threaded bolt reaches the closed end of the slot
Implementation Method 3
a backrest lever for pivotally connecting the backrest driver to the backrest frame
Data Source
AI summary
An electric bed includes a basic unit and a lift unit. The basic unit includes a base, a sliding frame supported on the base, a backrest frame pivotally connected to the sliding frame, a headrest frame pivotally connected to the backrest frame, and a restraint including an end pivotally connected to the base and another end pivotally connected to the backrest frame. The backrest frame includes a lug that includes a slot. The lift unit includes a power element pivotally connected to the sliding frame, a rod operatively connected to the power element, a backrest driver pivotally connected to the rod, a headrest driver pivotally connected to the backrest driver, a backrest lever for pivotally connecting the backrest driver to the backrest frame, a roller supported on the backrest lever, and a threaded bolt inserted in the backrest driver and the slot of the lug of the backrest frame.