System and method for raising a bed off the floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repetitive bending required to change bed sheets poses safety and health issues due to strain on the back and hands, particularly in settings like hotels where numerous sheets need to be changed daily.
Innovation Solution
A lifting assembly is coupled to a bed frame that allows the box spring and mattress to be selectively raised off the floor, reducing the need for bending through a mechanism of pivotally connected lifting members, a securing mechanism, and optional biasing and damping components for safe and controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bed frame is positioned close to the floor for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but health and safety deteriorate due to repetitive bending strain
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is made dynamically adjustable in height through a lifting assembly with movable lifting members that can raise or lower the bed frame between a first position (close to floor) and a second position (elevated). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between ease of access and reduced physical strain based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the bed frame is changed by the lifting assembly, which modifies the height parameter between two discrete positions. This parameter change enables the bed frame to transition from a low position (easy access) to a high position (reduced bending strain), resolving the contradiction between accessibility and health safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bed frame is raised off the floor to reduce bending, then health and safety are improved, but ease of operation worsens due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assembly provides dynamic height adjustment, allowing the bed frame to be raised when health safety is the priority (reducing bending) and lowered when ease of access is needed. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling context-dependent position adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed frame height is periodically adjusted between elevated and lowered positions based on operational requirements. During sheet changing operations, the frame can be lowered for access, then raised for rest periods, creating a periodic action pattern that balances accessibility needs with health protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a lifting assembly is added to raise the bed frame, then health and safety are improved by reducing bending, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assembly is segmented into multiple independent lifting members (first lifting member and second lifting member) that can be added to the existing bed frame structure. This segmentation allows the lifting function to be incorporated as a modular addition rather than requiring complete redesign of the bed frame, thus managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting members act as intermediary components between the floor and the bed frame, providing the lifting function without requiring direct modification of the bed frame's core structure. These intermediary elements simplify integration and reduce overall system complexity compared to redesigning the entire bed structure.
4Ease of operation
If the lifting assembly allows free movement between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to risk of accidental dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism provides preliminary action by automatically securing the lifting members in their respective positions during normal operation. This preliminary securing action prevents accidental dropping while still allowing intentional position changes when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of adjustment and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism acts as a preventive measure (cushioning) against the harmful effect of accidental dropping. By providing this protective mechanism beforehand, the system maintains reliability and prevents unintended position changes, while still permitting controlled operation when the securing mechanism is properly engaged.
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 lifting assembly significantly reduces the effort required to change bed sheets, prevents accidental dropping, and assists in lifting the bed frame, thereby minimizing strain and injury while allowing for easy access without bending.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of lifting members have a lifting member first end and a lifting member second end. The lifting member first end is pivotally coupled to at least one of the plurality of base plates, and the lifting member second end is pivotally coupled to at least one of the plurality of rails of the bed frame.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a plurality of base plates structured to be positioned on a surface, and a bed frame comprising a plurality of rails configured to receive a bed thereon. A lifting assembly is coupled to each of the base plates and the bed frame. The lifting assembly includes a plurality of lifting members pivotally coupled to base plates and the plurality of rails of the bed frame. A securing mechanism selectively secures at least a portion of the lifting members in a fixed position. The lifting assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the plurality of rails of the bed frame, and thereby the bed positioned thereon, is positioned proximate to the surface, and a second configuration in which the plurality of rails of the bed frame and, thereby the bed are raised off the surface.