Bed Frame Crossbeam Retention Using Elastomeric Plug and Wedge Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed frames lack a secure and flexible mechanism to retain crossbeams, which can lead to instability and inadequate support for mattresses, potentially causing discomfort and movement during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame design featuring a crossbeam system with a mounting aperture and plug mechanism, where the plug is made of elastomeric material with flexible sections and a wedge profile, allowing for secure engagement with the crossbeam and horizontal frame members, providing flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid retention mechanism is used to secure crossbeams, then stability is improved, but flexibility to accommodate mattress thickness variations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is made from elastomeric material that can change its physical state between compressed and relaxed, allowing it to adapt to different mattress thicknesses while maintaining secure retention. The material's elastic properties enable it to deform under compression when accommodating thicker mattresses and return to its original shape for standard thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug combines elastomeric material with a wedge profile geometry to create a composite retention mechanism that provides both flexibility through material deformation and mechanical locking through the wedge shape, simultaneously achieving stability and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible retention mechanism is used to accommodate mattress thickness, then adaptability is improved, but retention strength and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plug combines elastomeric material with a wedge profile geometry to create a composite retention mechanism that provides both flexibility through material deformation and mechanical locking through the wedge shape, simultaneously achieving stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge profile of the plug creates a tapered geometry that generates increasing retention force as the plug is inserted into the mounting aperture, with the angled surface providing mechanical advantage to secure the crossbeam firmly while allowing vertical movement for thickness accommodation.
3Reliability
If a complex retention mechanism with multiple components is used, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug merges multiple functions into a single component: the elastomeric material provides flexibility and cushioning, while the integrated wedge profile provides mechanical locking and retention force, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug serves multiple functions simultaneously: it cushions the crossbeam, accommodates thickness variations through elastic deformation, provides mechanical retention through the wedge profile, and locks into the mounting aperture, making it a universal retention solution for various mattress configurations.
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
The solution enhances the stability and support for mattresses by securely locking crossbeams in place, allowing for slight flexion to accommodate mattress thickness, thereby improving sleep comfort and reducing movement.
Implementation Method 1
The plug is made of elastomeric material with flexible sections and a wedge profile, allowing for secure engagement with the crossbeam and horizontal frame members, providing flexibility and stability
Data Source
AI summary
A bed frame has a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal frame member formed parallel to the first horizontal frame member. A crossbeam extends from the first horizontal frame member to the second horizontal frame member. The crossbeam is inserted into the first horizontal frame member and the second horizontal frame member and is retained using a plug. A mounting aperture formed on the first horizontal frame member receives the crossbeam. The mounting aperture has a wide portion above a narrow portion. The wide portion includes a plug area. The narrow portion includes a crossbeam area, which receives the crossbeam. The plug area receives the plug.