Bed structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed structures with lifting mechanisms require user effort to move the mattress base between positions, limit access due to insufficient height, and are not suitable for confined spaces, with complex and error-prone operation.

Innovation Solution

A bed structure with a reversible moving mechanism using reciprocally hinged levers and a linear actuator that allows the mattress base to move from a closed horizontal position to a tilted and then an upper horizontal position with a single continuous movement, eliminating user effort and ensuring the mattress base remains fully contained within the base container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a lifting mechanism with elastic elements or electric actuators is used to raise the mattress base, then the mattress base can be lifted with minimum effort, but user effort is still required to move the mattress base between stable positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting effortVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism uses the weight of the mattress base itself as the counterweight, allowing the system to automatically balance and move between positions without requiring external effort from the user. The mattress base's gravity creates the necessary counterbalancing force that enables effortless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a counterweight system where the mattress base's own weight is utilized to balance the mechanism. The articulated quadrilateral configuration allows the mattress base to act as its own counterweight, eliminating the need for additional counterweights or continuous external force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Ease of operation

If the mattress base is lifted vertically to a horizontal position, then access to the container below is permitted, but the height reached is insufficient for convenient access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidcontainer height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of purely vertical lifting, the mechanism tilts the mattress base at an angle, creating diagonal access space. This dimensional change allows the container volume to be accessed from above at an inclined angle, providing sufficient clearance and convenience without requiring increased container height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid lifting mechanisms with two degrees of freedom are used, then the mattress base can reach both tilted and horizontal positions, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement is divided into two sequential phases: first tilting the mattress base to access the container, then lifting to a horizontal position for bed making. This segmentation of motion into distinct phases simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining the versatility of reaching multiple positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism transitions from a static balanced position to dynamic movement through a single actuation action. The articulated quadrilateral allows the system to dynamically shift between configurations, achieving both tilted and horizontal positions through one continuous motion rather than requiring complex multi-stage control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the mattress base protrudes frontally beyond the container volume, then access to the container is improved, but the bed structure requires larger bedroom spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer accessVSAvoidbed footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mattress base nests within the container boundaries when in the closed position, and during operation, it tilts inward rather than protruding outward. This nesting configuration allows full container access while maintaining a compact footprint that fits within standard bedroom spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effortless, intuitive, and continuous movement of the mattress base between positions without protruding beyond the container, suitable for use in small spaces, reducing user effort and operational complexity while maintaining access to the container volume.

Implementation Method 1

at least one reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) of the mattress base (6), wherein the reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) comprises reciprocally hinged levers connecting the mattress base (6) to the base container (5) and a linear actuator (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear actuator: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

the reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) comprises reciprocally hinged levers connecting the mattress base (6) to the base container (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3869999B1Bed structure
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 MEC LINE SRL
  • EP3869999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869999B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The bed structure (1) comprises a base container (5) having an open top, a bed base (6) and at least one reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) for moving the bed base (6) from a lower closed horizontal position of the open top of the base container (5) to a tilted position of access to the volume bounded by the base container (5), and subsequently to an upper horizontal position distanced from the open top of the base container (5), the reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) comprises reciprocally hinged levers connecting the bed base (6) to the base container (5), the reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) has overall only one degree of freedom, has a first rotation - translation stroke of the bed base (6) from the lower horizontal position to the tilted position, and a second rotation stroke of the bed base (6) from the tilted position to the upper horizontal position, in which the rotation of the bed base (6) in the second rotation stroke is opposite the rotation of the bed base (6) in the second rotation - translation stroke. The bed structure 1 comprises a linear actuator (17) of the reversible moving mechanism (2a, 2b) that moves the bed base (6) between said positions and locks the bed base (6) in the position reached.