Bed Frame Side-Member Assembly With Slit-Guided Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed structures, particularly those made of iron, face challenges in easy alignment and secure fixation of side members to vertical columns, leading to instability and loosening of screws, which complicates assembly and affects the structure's firmness.

Innovation Solution

The bed structure incorporates a slit in the vertical columns for inserting the side members, combined with a bolt and nut system that ensures secure attachment, allowing for quick and stable assembly by aligning the side members with an abutment wall and using a protruding plate with through holes for bolts to lock the side members in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If side members are fixed to vertical columns using L shaped flange and screws, then the structure can be assembled, but the alignment is difficult, screws loosen, threads get damaged, and the structure is not firm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of alignmentVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning element is introduced as an intermediary component between the side member and the vertical column. This positioning element fits into a recess of the vertical column and engages with the side member, facilitating easy alignment during assembly while ensuring stable and reliable connection, preventing screw loosening and thread damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional screw fixation is used, then the parts can be connected, but the assembly process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidfixation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation system is segmented into distinct functional components: a positioning element that handles alignment, and separate fastening elements that secure the connection. The positioning element includes a recess in the vertical column and a corresponding protrusion on the side member, enabling quick alignment before final fastening, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If side members are inserted directly without positioning features, then the structure is simple, but alignment precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning element serves as a mediator that provides precise alignment between the side member and the vertical column. The recess in the vertical column and the corresponding protrusion on the side member create a guided insertion path, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures or additional alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1886600B1Bed structure and assembly kit
Publication Date: 2010.03.03 RETI GRITTI
  • EP1886600B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1886600B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

According to the present innovation, a bed structure comprises a headboard, a footboard, a pair of side members (4) and fixing means suitable for fixing said side member to said headboard and/or said footboard. The headboard and/or the footboard exhibit a slit wherein an end portion (10) of the side member is inserted, fixed to the headboard and/or to the footboard through said fixing means.