Bed Side Rail with Telescopic Rods for One-Handed Position Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed side rails are either limited to collapsible or telescopic designs, requiring two-handed operation and lacking flexibility in position adjustment, which can be inconvenient for users needing assistance with bed access and visibility in domestic settings.

Innovation Solution

A bed side rail with rotatable arms and telescopic rods that allow for multiple position adjustments, including extended and retracted configurations, with a locking mechanism for secure use and compact storage, enabling one-handed operation and concealment within the bed frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the side rail is made collapsible to a folded position, then the side rail can be compacted next to the bed for storage and nursing access, but it requires two-handed operation (one hand for button/lever, one hand for folding) which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside rail compactnessVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the collapsing function and telescopic extension function into a single integrated mechanism. The side rail can be collapsed to a compact position and simultaneously extended to a longer position using the same mechanical structure, eliminating the need for separate operations and achieving one-handed control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side rail mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be collapsed for storage, extended for additional support, and used in various positions. The same structural elements enable both collapsing and telescopic movements, making the device multi-functional and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If the side rail is made telescopic to extend length, then it can aid less mobile people to get in and out of bed, but it cannot be collapsed when in the extended position which limits adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside rail lengthVSAvoidposition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The side rail employs dynamic mechanisms that allow it to change its configuration freely. The telescopic rods are designed to extend and retract while maintaining the ability to collapse the entire structure. The hinges and connection points enable continuous movement between extended and collapsed states, providing dynamic adaptability rather than fixed positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the side rail is collapsed in storage position, then it can be hidden behind the bed for aesthetic purposes, but existing designs require complex mechanisms that reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside rail concealabilityVSAvoidmechanism stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side rail mechanism is designed to be self-sufficient and self-locking. The telescopic rods and hinge connections automatically maintain the rail in its extended or collapsed position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The mechanical design inherently provides stability and reliability while achieving the desired concealed shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3494840B1Side rail and bed equipped with it
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 VERMEIREN GRP
  • EP3494840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3494840B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3494840B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Side rail for a bed (1) characterised in that the side rail (7) comprises two arms (9) for the rotatable attachment of the side rail (7) to the bed (1), said arms (9) being provided to this end with a rotation point (10) on one end, whereby the arms (9) are connected to each other by at least two telescopic rods (11a, 11b, 11c) which are connected to said arms (9) by means of hinges (12a, 12b, 12c), such that the arms (9) are rotatable between at least a raised use position, whereby the side rail (7) is in use, and a collapsed storage position, whereby the side rail (7) is collapsed, whereby the arms (9) together with their rotation point (10) are movable relative to each other and whereby the side rail (1) in at least two positions of the arms (9) is rotatable between at least the raised use position and the collapsed storage position.