Adjustable Bed Support Rail for Reversible Assembly and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility assistance devices lack versatility and ease of use, particularly in adapting to different bed orientations and storage configurations, which can lead to assembly errors and inefficient packaging for retail sale.
Innovation Solution
The mobility assistance device features a support rail with adjustable ends that can be reversibly coupled to base legs, allowing orientation adjustment for use on either side of a bed and a compact storage configuration, with components designed to occupy minimal vertical space when stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mobility assistance device is designed with fixed orientation components, then the assembly process is simplified, but the device cannot adapt to different bed orientations and sides
Solution Approach 1:
The base legs are designed with asymmetric features including non-circular cross-sections and asymmetric coupling interfaces that prevent incorrect orientation during assembly. The asymmetric design ensures proper orientation while maintaining simple assembly through form-fit interfaces that guide correct placement without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility assistance device incorporates universal coupling mechanisms that allow the same base leg and support rail components to be used on either side of the bed and in multiple orientations. The reversible coupling design enables the device to function universally across different bed configurations without requiring separate components for each orientation.
2Reliability
If the mobility assistance device components are designed for stable configuration, then assembly errors are reduced, but storage space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is designed to nest within or alongside the base legs when not in use, creating a compact storage configuration. The telescopic or interlocking design allows the extended support rail to be collapsed into a space-efficient form that fits within the volume occupied by the base structure, reducing overall storage volume while maintaining stable assembled configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a three-dimensional extended configuration during use to a compressed configuration that utilizes vertical or lateral space more efficiently during storage. The base legs are designed with features that allow them to occupy minimal vertical space when the device is in storage mode, effectively using another dimension for compactness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support rail has fixed length, then manufacturing is simplified, but versatility in accommodating different bed sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support rail is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected in different combinations to achieve various lengths. Each segment is manufactured to standard dimensions using simple, repeatable processes, while the modular assembly provides versatility for different bed sizes. The segmented design allows customers to configure the rail length to match their specific bed dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rail incorporates adjustable or telescopic mechanisms that allow its length to be dynamically changed to accommodate different bed sizes. The adjustable design maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standardized components and mechanisms that can be produced efficiently, while providing the flexibility to adapt to various bed configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Extendable mobility assistance devices for use with a bed are disclosed herein. The mobility assistance devices include base legs that are inserted between a mattress and a box spring and a support rail that extends upward from the base legs. The support rail has an adjustable longitudinal dimension. The support rail and base legs are configured to be reversibly arranged in a first orientation or a second orientation, for use on either side of a bed.