Manual Bed Frame Linkage for Adjustable Head-Rest Elevation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bed frames lack a cost-effective and less complex manual mechanism for providing varying degrees of elevation to moveable head-rest and back-support sections, making it difficult for users to comfortably watch TV or read, and unsuitable for individuals with medical conditions requiring elevated sleep positions.

Innovation Solution

A bed frame design featuring a first frame with side and front rail panels secured by brackets, a second frame with pivotally connected slats, and adjustable arms with notches for tilting the slats to achieve multiple elevated positions, allowing for manual adjustment of the head-rest and back-support sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex motors and electronics are used to provide automatic elevation changes, then the bed can provide varying degrees of elevation to moveable sections, but the bed becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevation adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical motors and electronics with a purely mechanical system consisting of scissor-like linkages, pivot points, and manual adjustment mechanisms. This mechanical substitution achieves the same elevation adjustment function while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic, movable sections that can be adjusted to various positions. The head rest and back support sections are designed with pivot points and linkages that allow smooth transitions between different elevation angles, providing adaptability without requiring complex fixed-position mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex motors and electronics are used to provide automatic changes to elevation, then the bed can adjust moveable sections, but the bed becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevation adjustment capabilityVSAvoidbed frame volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing bulky motor assemblies and electronic control systems with compact mechanical linkages and pivot points, the patent achieves elevation adjustment functionality while minimizing the volume occupied by the adjustment mechanism. The scissor-like linkages fold into compact configurations when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable mechanism is designed so that the linkages and support structures can be nested or folded into each other when not in use, minimizing the overall volume of the bed frame. The mechanical components are arranged to occupy minimal space while still providing full adjustment range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex motors and electronics are used, then automatic elevation changes are possible, but the bed becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevation adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates expensive motors, electronic controllers, and associated components by using simple mechanical linkages, pivot points, and manual adjustment mechanisms. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the core functionality of elevation adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as wooden or metal linkages, basic pivot points, and manual adjustment handles. These components are designed to be cost-effective and easily manufactured, replacing expensive electronic systems with affordable mechanical alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables users to select optimal viewing angles without additional pillows and accommodates medical needs, while being more affordable and less complex than beds with automated systems.

Implementation Method 1

The lever arm comprises a plurality of notches, where each of the plurality of notches corresponds to an elevated position of the first section of slats of the second frame, where a guide mechanism is used to select a particular notch of the plurality of notches.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8261382B2Providing varying degrees of elevation to moveable head-rest and back-support sections of bed frame

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A bed frame having the functionality of providing varying degrees of elevation to moveable head-rest and back-support sections of the bed frame. Adjustable arms couple a pivotal section of the frame of slats with a front rail panel. The pivotal section of the frame of slats is positioned in the head-rest and back-support sections of the bed frame. Since the pivotal section of the frame of slats is configurable to be tilted, the adjustable arms may be used to tilt the pivotal section of the frame of slats and hence tilt the head-rest and back-support sections of the bed frame to varying degrees of elevation.