Bed Hinge Assembly Using Roller Bearings to Reduce Vertical Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional beds with pivoting hinge arrangements experience undesirable up and down movement of the head section when raised and lowered, compromising patient comfort.
Innovation Solution
A parallel support system hinge assembly using roller bearings within guide tracks for smooth and stable angular rotation of the head section relative to the bed frame, minimizing vertical movement and enhancing patient comfort during profiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional pivoting hinge arrangement is used to support the head section, then the head section can be raised and lowered relative to the bed frame, but undesirable up and down vertical movement occurs during the pivoting action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parallel support system with roller bearings as an intermediary mechanism between the head section and bed frame. This mediator translates the pivoting motion into a controlled path that eliminates unwanted vertical movement while maintaining the ability to adjust head section angle for patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion dimension by using guide tracks that constrain movement to a specific angular path. Instead of allowing free pivoting in multiple directions, the guide tracks restrict motion to a controlled arc, eliminating vertical displacement while preserving rotational adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head section is raised to a sitting position, then patient comfort is improved through profiling, but the head section creates unwanted vertical movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel support system provides dynamic stability by allowing controlled angular movement while maintaining structural support. The roller bearings within guide tracks enable smooth transitions between positions while keeping the head section stable at each profiling position, accommodating patient needs without compromising reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly allows free pivoting of the head section, then movement flexibility is increased, but deflection and unwanted vertical movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: roller bearings separated into individual units, guide tracks divided into specific geometric paths, and support elements distributed along the movement path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively controlling deflection and maintaining precision.
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 system provides stable and smooth movement of the head section, allowing it to auto-regress away from the upper core section, maintaining a flat surface during transitions, thereby improving patient comfort and reducing undesirable vertical motion.
Implementation Method 1
The bed frame assembly mounted portion includes roller bearings, such as sealed roller bearings, mounted to the bed frame assembly by a frame plate assembly and a hinge bearing mount assembly. The roller bearings translate within guide tracks in the hinge guide assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for a bed includes a hinge guide assembly connected to a head section of the bed, and a bed frame assembly mounted portion connected to the bed frame assembly. The hinge guide assembly forms curved guide tracks that receive roller bearings mounted to the bed frame assembly mounted portion. The connection between the hinge guide assembly and roller bearings results in angular rotation of the head section relative to the bed frame assembly.