Connectors for collapsible bed frame and collapsible bed frame having same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible bed frames are not user-friendly due to the need for assembly and disassembly using tools, which is time-consuming and requires careful storage of components to avoid loss, making them inconvenient for use.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bed frame design featuring rotatably connected lateral and longitudinal bar units with integrated receptacles and connectors that allow the frame to expand and contract without disconnection, eliminating the need for tools and simplifying assembly and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If bed frame components are disassembled for shipping to save space and reduce cost, then shipping efficiency is improved, but assembly and disassembly require tools and time, reducing user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing longitudinal bars inside lateral bars, and supporting bars inside longitudinal bars. This nested configuration allows all components to be stored within the frame structure itself, eliminating the need for separate storage containers and making the disassembled state compact for shipping while remaining easily accessible for assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service through magnetic connectors that automatically attract and hold components together without requiring tools. The magnetic force enables users to assemble and disassemble the bed frame by simple pulling and connecting motions, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, wrenches, or other assembly tools.
2Strength
If traditional connectors like screws and bolts are used to connect lateral and longitudinal bars, then connection strength is improved, but assembly requires tools and careful storage of small parts, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic small fastener components (screws, bolts, nuts) from the connection system and replaces them with integrated magnetic connectors. This extraction eliminates the need for separate storage of multiple small parts and simplifies the assembly process to single-motion connections while maintaining structural strength through magnetic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the connector function directly into the bar endpoints by equipping lateral bars, longitudinal bars, and supporting bars with magnetic connectors at their ends. This integration combines the bar and connector into unified components, eliminating separate fasteners and reducing assembly complexity to simple magnetic attachment.
3Volume of moving object
If bed frame is designed to be collapsible for easy storage, then storage efficiency is improved, but connection and disconnection of bars requires tools and time, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connectors enable self-service assembly where the magnetic attraction automatically guides and secures components together without tools. Users can quickly assemble or disassemble the entire bed frame by simply connecting and disconnecting the magnetic bars, dramatically increasing assembly speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic connectivity through magnetic connectors that allow bars to be easily connected and disconnected on demand. This dynamic design enables rapid transformation between assembled and disassembled states, allowing the bed frame to be quickly collapsed for storage or expanded for use without time-consuming fastening operations.
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
The design enables easy expansion and contraction of the bed frame with connected components, reducing assembly time, minimizing storage space, and ensuring components are not lost, making the bed frame more user-friendly and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second longitudinal segment units are rotatably connected with each other at one ends thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are connectors and collapsible bed frames. A collapsible bed frame includes lateral and longitudinal bar units. Between each of two adjacent lateral bar units, a first longitudinal bar unit is disposed at a first side of the collapsible bed frame and a second longitudinal bar unit is disposed at a second side of the collapsible bed frame. The first and second longitudinal bar units and the two adjacent lateral bar units are rotatably connected with each other by connectors that enable the collapsible bed frame to contract and expand while the lateral and longitudinal bar units are connected with each other.