Bed Rail Pivot and Nesting Design for Hidden Guard Frame Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bed rails have complex assembly processes that can lead to unintended structures, lack a hidden storage solution for the guard frame, and often require permanent pivots that do not provide a secure or out-of-sight mechanism for preventing falls.

Innovation Solution

A bed rail design featuring a four-piece guard frame with distinct diameter and connection types to prevent incorrect assembly, a pivot mechanism that automatically engages and disengages for easy operation, and a base frame that securely holds the guard frame in place with minimal parts and a hidden storage option.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional bed rail uses a permanent pivot for the guard frame, then the guard frame can swing between night and lowered positions, but the guard frame remains visible and takes up space on the exterior of the bed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguard frame positioningVSAvoidspace occupied by guard frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guard frame is designed to nest within the base frame when not in use. The base frame includes a receiving space between the mattress and box spring where the guard frame can be stored, effectively hiding it when not needed for safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional bed rail includes many parts for the guard frame, then the guard frame can be assembled in different configurations, but users may assemble it in unintended ways that compromise safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidassembly correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are designed with different diameters and different connecting ends (male/female connections). This asymmetric design ensures that parts can only be assembled in the correct configuration, eliminating the possibility of incorrect assembly while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The guard frame is divided into four separate units that must be assembled together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while the specific connection designs ensure proper assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a conventional bed rail uses a permanent pivot mechanism, then the pivot structure is simple to manufacture, but it does not provide a hidden storage solution for the guard frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot integrationVSAvoidguard frame storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism is designed to be temporary rather than permanent. The pivot connects the guard frame to the base frame only when needed, allowing the guard frame to be easily installed and removed for storage in the base frame's receiving space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11458053B1Bed rail that tucks under mattress

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 REGALO INTERNATIONAL LLC

AI summary

A bed rail for engagement between a mattress and a box spring and having a base support and a guard frame, with guard frame having a pivot that pivots and slides in the base support. The base support includes a first seat that seats the pivot and a second seat that seats a biased piece sliding axially on a first support member of the guard frame. The first support member extends from a plastic piece that forms a junction from which a second support member and the pivot extend and that nestles up to the second seat.