Convertible body support structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body support structures, such as sofas, require complex linkage mechanisms and occupy large footprints, making them unsuitable for confined spaces like hospital or hotel rooms, and often lack accessories like work surfaces, storage, and lighting to enhance utility.
Innovation Solution
A body support structure with a base and a cushion that can be easily converted between seating and sleeping configurations using a spacer mechanism, combined with accessories like a moveable worksurface, storage, and a circadian rhythm light system that adjusts color temperature and intensity based on time of day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complicated linkage mechanisms are used to convert between seating and sleeping configurations, then the conversion function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the footprint becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The body support structure is divided into separate modular components: a base structure and a cushion assembly that can be independently positioned. The cushion assembly itself is segmented into a head portion and a body portion that can move relative to each other, allowing conversion without complex linkages connecting the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion assembly is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a first position (seating configuration) and a second position (sleeping configuration). The head portion and body portion of the cushion can move relative to each other, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring fixed mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional body support structures are designed for full conversion functionality, then they can convert between seating and sleeping configurations, but they occupy relatively large footprints making them unsuitable for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into a compact base and a separable cushion assembly, allowing the cushion to be folded or repositioned into a smaller footprint while maintaining full conversion functionality. The modular design enables the components to be stored or configured in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion assembly can be folded or nested into a compact configuration that fits within or alongside the base structure, reducing the overall footprint when in storage or non-use positions while maintaining full conversion capability.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional body support structures are designed for compactness, then they occupy smaller footprints, but they lack accessories like work surfaces, storage, and lighting that enhance utility
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is designed as a multi-functional platform that can support various accessories including work surfaces, storage compartments, and lighting elements. The structure serves both as a support framework and as a mounting platform for additional functional elements, enhancing utility without requiring separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface is designed to be moveable or adjustable, allowing it to be positioned as needed. The dynamic nature of the work surface enables it to adapt to different user needs and configurations, providing enhanced versatility within the compact footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A body support structure includes a base and a cushion moveable between a seating configuration and a sleeping configuration. The cushion may include foldable first and second sections. In one embodiment, a spacer includes first and second support surfaces, and is pivotal between an upright position, wherein the first support surface engages and supports the cushion in the seating configuration, and a down position, wherein the second support surface engages and supports the cushion in the sleeping configuration. Methods of reconfiguring a body support structure are also provided.