Bed Frame Joint with Tapered Pin for Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed frames are cumbersome to transport and difficult to assemble without tools, requiring multiple packages and posing logistics challenges, while also needing to be stable when assembled.

Innovation Solution

A bed frame joint system with perpendicular discs, a tapering pin, and engagement mechanisms that allow for tool-free assembly and self-tightening, using a method where the weight of the bed frame applies pressure to secure the joints, ensuring stability without the need for additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the bed frame is assembled in a regular structure, then it provides stable support, but it becomes difficult to transport and store due to large volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebed frame stabilityVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bed frame is divided into separate modular components including frame sections with integrated joint parts that can be disconnected and folded. This segmentation allows the bed to be transported in a compact folded state while maintaining structural integrity when assembled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the bed frame is disassembled into separate parts for transport, then it becomes easier to transport, but it requires tools and complex procedures for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The joint parts incorporate self-aligning features with locating tabs and recesses that guide frame sections into correct positions during assembly. The tapering pins automatically align with holes and the engagement tongue-recess mechanism guides proper connection, enabling tool-free assembly by simply pressing the sections together

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If simple connection methods are used for quick assembly, then assembly becomes easier, but the joint stability and strength are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pin features a tapering cylindrical shape that creates increasing contact pressure and friction as it is pressed into the holes. This curved/tapered geometry transforms the simple pressing action into a self-tightening mechanism that generates strong holding force without requiring threads or additional fastening elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Strength

If multiple components are used for secure joints, then joint strength is improved, but the number of parts increases making assembly more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint part integrates multiple functions into a single component: the base attaches to the frame section, discs with holes provide alignment references, the tapering pin creates the secure connection, and the engagement tongue-recess mechanism provides additional stabilization. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining joint strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 easy transportation and quick assembly of bed frames with minimal tools, while maintaining stability through a secure and self-tightening joint system that aligns and locks the frame sections accurately.

Implementation Method 1

the rims of the holes are slightly deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

applying a pressure to the pin until fully inserted into the holes wherein the pressure preferably is at least partly provided by the weight of the bed frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3424367B1Bed, bed frame, bed frame joint and method of assembling a bed frame
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 TEMPUR SEALY INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION LLC
  • EP3424367B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3424367B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3424367B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A bed frame joint comprises first joint part (110), a second joint part (120), and a pin (130) extending through the first and second joint parts. The first and second joint parts (110, 120) are provided with a plurality of discs overlaying each other, wherein each of the discs is provided with a hole with progressively smaller diameter, and the pin (130) is tapered. By having a leg attached to the pin (130) of each joint, a stable joined is formed which is also easy to assemble and disassemble. A bed frame, a bed, and a method of assembling a bed frame joint are also provided.