Bellows Spring Element Locking for Secure Seat and Bed Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring elements for furniture supports, such as mattress bases, face issues with the support plate not being securely fixed to the hollow body, leading to potential disconnection under heavy loads due to inadequate elasticity.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device comprising a plug and sub-segments of a tube section, with elastic film hinges or buckling points, allowing the support plate to be securely locked to the hollow body without external clamping forces, using lever arms that pivot to create a form-fitting locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple catches are used to attach the support plate to the hollow body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates under heavy load
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into multiple sub-segments that can pivot independently around elastic film hinges or buckling points. This segmentation allows each sub-segment to flex and adapt during insertion, while the collective action of all sub-segments creates a robust locking mechanism that reliably secures the support plate to the hollow body under heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device transitions from a static simple catch to a dynamic system where sub-segments can pivot and move during insertion. The lever arms are designed to pivot radially during the insertion process, creating a form-fitting locking mechanism that adapts to the hollow body's geometry and maintains reliability under varying load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the hollow body is accessed from the inside for fastening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the area of access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the fastening device from the inside of the hollow body as in conventional designs, this invention inverts the approach by allowing insertion from the outside through the open end. The support plate with its sub-segments and lever arms is inserted through the opening, enabling access to the entire circumferential area of the hollow body's recess, thereby improving both ease of operation and access area.
3Strength
If clamping forces are applied to the elastic hollow body for fastening, then the strength of connection is improved, but the elasticity of the hollow body is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed to be self-servicing, where the sub-segments with lever arms automatically pivot and lock into place as the support plate is inserted. The elastic film hinges or buckling points provide the necessary flexibility during insertion, and once locked, the system maintains its connection strength without requiring continuous application of clamping forces that would compromise the hollow body's elasticity.
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
Ensures a permanent and secure attachment of the support plate to the hollow body, preventing disconnection even under heavy loads, while allowing for optional slight clamping to prevent play, and can be adapted to various configurations and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic film hinge or an elastic buckling point are integrally formed on the support plate so that they can swivel radially
Implementation Method 2
which have lever arms pointing inwards into the pipe section, which are swiveled by the plug when it is inserted into the pipe section in such a way that the partial segments swiveled radially along with it create a form-fitting Locking of the hollow body
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The spring for use in seats and beds, especially bed spring systems and mattresses, comprises a hollow molding (8) with a bellows structure. A support plate (6) is mounted on top of the molding. A plug (3) on the underside of the plate fits through an aperture into the molding and tube sections attached to it swivel on film hinges (13) so that lower sections (9) fit against the plug while upper sections (4) fit against the inside of the molding.