Furniture objects for storing foldable beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Futon beds and similar foldable beds often occupy too much space in environments with limited space, necessitating a furniture solution that can efficiently transition between multiple functions while minimizing space usage.
Innovation Solution
A chest or cabinet that can convert between an open position for sleeping and a closed position for storage, utilizing hingeable panels, pivotable blocks, and a folding deck to create a sleeping platform while maintaining a compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a futon bed or foldable bed is used to provide sleeping functionality, then the sleeping function is achieved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chest is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a storage container in closed position and transforms into a sleeping platform in open position. The front panel assembly can function as both a closure for storage and as part of the sleeping surface support structure, eliminating the need for separate furniture pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The chest incorporates movable components including hingeable front panels and pivotable blocks that allow transformation between closed storage state and open sleeping state. The rear foldable leg assembly can transition between folded and extended positions to provide support when needed and remain compact when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chest transitions from closed to open position to provide sleeping surface, then the sleeping platform is formed, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is divided into first and second portions that can move independently relative to each other and to the base. The side panels are segmented into first and second sub-side panels with different movement characteristics. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function during transformation while maintaining overall structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the front panel is stored within an enclosure formed by the first portion of the front panel, side panels, and top panel when the chest is closed. This nesting arrangement minimizes the footprint of moving components in the closed state while allowing them to deploy for sleeping function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pivotable blocks are used to maintain gap during transition, then the first portion remains elevated, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable blocks automatically perform the function of maintaining the gap between the first portion of the front panel and the ground during transition. As the chest opens, the blocks pivot outward and naturally position themselves to support the first portion at the appropriate height, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems.
4Ease of operation
If rear legs with rollers are used to allow movement, then the mobility is improved, but the friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling function is extracted as a separate feature from the main leg structure. Rollers are attached to the bottom surface of the rear legs, allowing the beneficial mobility effect to be obtained while isolating the wear and friction issues to the roller components themselves, which can be independently maintained or replaced.
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 chest effectively transitions between closed and open positions, providing a space-efficient solution for foldable beds by using a lever mechanism and folding deck to support a mattress, reducing space requirements and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion of the front panel being hingeably connected to a base of the chest
Implementation Method 2
the blocks are pivotably attached to the chest, the blocks configured to pivot outwards beyond an outer surface of the first portion of the front panel during the transition
Implementation Method 3
the second portion of the front panel is configured to form a lever to assist in transitioning the chest between the closed position and the open position
Implementation Method 4
the rear legs include rollers attached to a bottom surface thereof, the rollers configured to allow the rear legs to move in a first direction when a connection point between the first portion and the second portion moves in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A chest including a front panel, side panels and a top panel, the top panel including a first sub-top panel and a second sub-top panel hingeably connected, a first portion of the front panel being hingeably connected to a base of the chest, and a second portion of the front panel hingeably connected to the first portion of the front panel and fixed to first sub-side panels, wherein the second portion of the front panel is stored when the chest is in an closed position, the first portion and the second portion of the front panel form a portion of a sleeping platform when the chest is in an open position, and the first sub-top panel is foldable onto the second sub-top panel to reduce a width the top panel extends at least during a transition between the open position and the closed position.