Multi-Height Bed Lift Frame With Hydraulic Height Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed support frames lack the ability to control height adjustments to within millimeters, require excessive manual effort, and do not incorporate a self-sufficient energy source, locking system in the low position, and damping in the high position, while also being adaptable to different bed sizes.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame with a hydraulic brake cylinder and elastic return means, allowing precise height control through a mechanical actuating mechanism that locks the frame at chosen heights, using a pedal or manual box to control fluid flow between piston chambers, and adjustable crosspieces for varying bed widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gas lift jack is used to lift the bed, then the bed can be raised from low to high position, but the bed cannot be positioned at intermediate heights and requires manual impulse to initiate lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a brake cylinder with a piston and fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic system) to replace the gas lift jack. The cylinder includes a piston that can be positioned at various heights by controlling fluid passage between chambers, enabling precise intermediate positioning while maintaining ease of operation through foot pedal actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static gas lift jack to a dynamic hydraulic/pneumatic system with controllable fluid flow. The brake cylinder allows dynamic adjustment of piston position by opening/closing valves controlled by the foot pedal, enabling the bed to be positioned at any height between low and high positions
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical jacks are used to raise the frame to desired height, then precise height control is achieved, but the system requires motorization and electrical power supply making it expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a purely mechanical brake cylinder system actuated by foot pedal, eliminating the need for electromechanical components, motors, and electrical power supplies. The height control is achieved through mechanical valve control of fluid flow, providing precise positioning without electrical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the operator's own body weight and foot pressure to actuate the brake cylinder through the foot pedal mechanism. The elastic return means also provide self-service by automatically returning the piston to initial position without requiring additional power input
3Ease of operation
If mechanical jacks are used to lift the bed notch by notch, then the lifting function is achieved, but excessive manual effort is required and positioning at determined heights is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cylinder with fluid transmission provides mechanical advantage, allowing the operator to lift the heavy bed frame with minimal foot pressure. The incompressible fluid transmits force efficiently from the small pedal area to the large piston area, reducing the manual effort required compared to direct mechanical jack operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return means act as a counterweight system, storing energy during lowering and providing assisting force during lifting. This reduces the net manual effort required by the operator to overcome gravity when positioning the bed at different heights
4Measurement precision
If a brake cylinder with fluid passage is used, then precise height control and locking are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions: lifting the bed, positioning at intermediate heights, locking at desired positions, and providing controlled lowering. The same piston and fluid system handles both elevation control and position locking, reducing the need for separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The opening valve and non-return valve functions are merged into a single valve mechanism controlled by the foot pedal. The valve serves dual purposes: allowing fluid passage for piston movement when opened and preventing reverse flow when closed, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 precise height adjustment to within millimeters, reduces operator effort, and provides a cost-effective, reliable, and adaptable solution for different bed sizes without the need for electrical power, ensuring stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a brake cylinder fixed between the crosspiece of the lower structure and a crosspiece connecting the straight side arms to pull the movements of the two deformable parallelograms upwards
Implementation Method 2
two elastic return means connecting the left side arms and the corresponding bars of the lower structure
Implementation Method 3
the cylinder a non-return valve from the chamber containing the piston rod to the rodless chamber allowing, under the effect of manual pressure on said frame, the working fluid to pass from the chamber without rod to the chamber containing the piston rod
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-height bed frame comprising at least a lower structure arranged on the ground comprising two parallel bars (1, 2) connected by a crosspiece (3), an upper structure comprising two bars (4, 5) parallel to the bars (1,2) of the lower structure, four arms (6, 7, 8 and 9), two left side (6,7) and two right side (8, 9), pivotally mounted around the lower structure allowing render mobile by translation in planes parallel to the ground the upper structure relative to the lower structure, between a plane located at a minimum height relative to the ground defining a low position and a plane located at a maximum height relative to the ground defining a high position, a brake cylinder (10) fixed between the crosspiece (3) of the lower structure and a crosspiece (14) connecting the straight lateral arms (8,9) to pull the movements of the two deformable parallelograms upwards allowing to lift towards the upper structure during the deployment of the cylinder, characterized in that it comprises an actuating means (15) connected to the said cylinder making it possible to act mechanically on the opening of a valve of the said cylinder connecting the two chambers of the piston during pressing the user on the actuating means, which controls the passage of the working fluid from one chamber to the other of said piston when the frame is actuated upwards, stopping the pressing on the actuating means stops the movement of said cylinder piston and locks said frame in a position determined by the user between the low position and the high position.