Bed Frame Spring Slat Bearing with Continuous Horizontal Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed frames with spring slats can only be adjusted horizontally by a limited range, restricting the adjustment of the distance between slats and offering inadequate protection against longitudinal forces.

Innovation Solution

The bearing elements supporting the spring slats can be displaced and fixed along the longitudinal beam of the bed frame, allowing for adjustable and lockable slats over any displacement path, with optional height adjustment and secure clipping into the longitudinal beam, enabling varied slat density and spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the bearing element is fixed firmly on the longitudinal beam, then the spring slat can be adjusted horizontally by a limited range (2 cm), but the adjustment range is restricted and cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidbearing element fixation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing element is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one that can be displaced along the longitudinal beam. The longitudinal groove in the bearing element allows it to move horizontally, while the clamping mechanism provides adjustable fixation at desired positions, thereby significantly increasing the adjustment range from 2 cm to any position along the beam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element is divided into functional components: a movable body with a longitudinal groove, clamping elements for securing to the beam, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the groove enables movement, the clamps enable fixation, and the locking mechanism maintains position, resolving the contradiction between mobility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the bearing element is made displaceable along the longitudinal beam, then the adjustment range is significantly increased, but the bearing element becomes vulnerable to shearing forces in the direction of the longitudinal beam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidprotection against longitudinal forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable - it can be released to allow movement along the beam, then engaged to provide strong resistance against shearing forces at the desired position. This dynamic transition between movable and fixed states resolves the contradiction between needing large adjustment range and needing reliability against longitudinal forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element is equipped with clamping elements that can be activated before movement to secure the element to the beam, or deactivated during adjustment to allow movement. This preliminary preparation of the clamping state enables the system to handle both movement and force resistance requirements appropriately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the bearing element is fixed immovably on the longitudinal beam, then the structure is simple and stable, but the spring slats can only be adjusted by a limited range of 2 cm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing element structureVSAvoidadjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing element incorporates a longitudinal groove that enables horizontal movement while maintaining structural integrity. The groove is designed to guide movement smoothly, and the clamping mechanism engages with the beam to provide fixation when needed. This dynamic design allows the element to transition between movable and fixed states, achieving large adjustment range without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The longitudinal groove acts as an intermediary structure between the bearing element and the external environment. It provides a defined path for movement while the clamping elements serve as intermediaries between the bearing element and the longitudinal beam, enabling both movement and secure fixation without requiring complex external mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution allows for extensive horizontal adjustment and locking of spring slats, providing enhanced protection against longitudinal forces and enabling customizable slat spacing for optimal support across different body areas, improving the load-bearing capacity and comfort of the bed frame.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing body which has spring elements which can be designed in any desired manner. Such spring elements can be elastomer springs or other spring-loaded elements that are able to resiliently support the respective end face of the spring strip in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

at least one manually operable, spring-loaded by a spiral spring latching device is arranged, which engages in associated receiving profiles in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam and can be locked there. This locking device can be disengaged by lifting it in the vertical direction against the spring force of the spiral springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-loaded latching device: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3031362B1Bed frame with adjustable slats in a horizontal plane
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 DOC
  • EP3031362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3031362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3031362B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Bed frame (2) with spring slats that can be adjusted in the horizontal plane and with at least one bearing element (20) for bearing one end of at least one spring slat (4-7) on a longitudinal beam (9) of the bed frame (2), the bearing element (9) having a any displacement length can be displaced along the longitudinal beam (9) in that the bearing element (20) essentially consists of a housing (39) that accommodates the respective end of the spring strip (4-7), in which at least one spring-loaded latching device that can be actuated manually is arranged is, which engages in associated receiving profiles in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beam (9) and can be locked there.