Adjustable Bed Leg-Rail Linkage for Balanced Actuator Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed technologies lack structures to level the loading output of actuators, maintain structural integrity, and eliminate pinch points, particularly in vertically adjustable beds used in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
The bed features pivotally and movably connected leg frames with a slotted bottom rail, a connection lever with an offset path, and a control arm to manage actuator positioning, along with outwardly angled leg frames and translation assemblies to ensure symmetry and prevent pinch points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bed frames are used without specialized actuator positioning structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the actuator loading cannot be leveled and pinch points cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
A control arm is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the connection lever. The control arm includes a slot that receives the actuator, allowing the actuator to move along a controlled path. This intermediary structure levels the actuator loading by distributing forces evenly while preventing direct contact that would create pinch points between the actuator and structural members.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection lever path is offset from the support frame cross member, then pinch points are eliminated, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm serves as a mediator that positions the actuator along an offset path from the support frame cross member. This offset positioning eliminates pinch points by preventing direct contact between the actuator and the cross member, while the control arm itself maintains structural integrity by properly distributing loads through its slot and connection mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is allowed to move freely without control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the actuator loading cannot be leveled and positioning precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm incorporates a slot that allows the actuator to move dynamically along a predetermined path. This dynamic configuration enables the actuator to adjust its position automatically during operation while maintaining controlled movement. The slot geometry ensures that the actuator follows a path that levels the loading, combining ease of operation with positioning 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
This configuration allows for efficient vertical adjustment of the bed deck, leveling the actuator loading and maintaining structural integrity while eliminating pinch points, enhancing the bed's operational stability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The translation assembly is configured in one embodiment to slide in one direction and roll in the opposed direction within the frame member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus, such as a bed, having a vertically adjustable deck that is selectably raised and lowered in a substantially vertical manner. Two leg frames are pivotally and movably connected to rails supporting the deck through a slot in the bottom of the rails. Support frames having a fixed longitudinal position relative the bed frame rail are connected to a central pivot point of the leg frames, respectively. The support frames each have a cross member supporting a connection lever defining a path. Actuators are pivotally connected to the bed frame and to a movable pivotal connection point along the path. A control arm is provided to determine the location of the actuator end relative the path of the connection lever. Wheel assemblies can be pivotally connected to the second end of the leg frames.