Convertible furniture system for converting a sofa into a bed and vice versa

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing convertible furniture systems for transforming a sofa into a bed and vice versa face issues such as the bottom part being unusable for storage, requiring significant physical effort, and potential floor scratching due to wheels, as well as limitations in design that restrict the length of the bed and necessitate separation from walls.

Innovation Solution

A convertible furniture system featuring a pair of lower and upper guides with articulated structures connected by actuators, allowing for angular movement and minimal effort conversion between sofa and bed modes, with the ability to store objects and maintain proximity to walls without separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bed frame structure is taken out by pulling the lower part of the sofa, then the sofa can be converted into a bed, but the bottom part of the furniture cannot be used as storage area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvertibility between sofa and bedVSAvoidstorage space in bottom part
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bed frame structure is divided into separate modular components that can be independently stored in the bottom part of the sofa. The frame is segmented into sections that fit within the storage compartment, allowing both storage functionality and bed conversion capability to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bed frame structure is designed to nest within the bottom part of the sofa when not in use. The frame components are configured to fit inside the furniture's internal space, similar to nested dolls, enabling the bottom part to serve dual purposes as both storage area and housing for the bed mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bed frame structure is taken out by pulling, then the sofa can be converted into a bed, but considerable physical effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvertibility between sofa and bedVSAvoidphysical effort required for conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the bed frame movement. This system includes connecting elements and guides that translate small input forces into the movement of the heavy bed frame, reducing the physical effort required by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as movable guides and articulated connections that adapt to the movement process. The guides change orientation and position during the conversion, enabling smooth movement of the bed frame with minimal force throughout the entire transformation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If wheels are used to pull the bed frame structure, then the sofa can be converted into a bed, but the wheels may scratch the floor surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvertibility between sofa and bedVSAvoidfloor scratching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of direct wheel contact with the floor, the invention uses an intermediary tracking system where the bed frame components move along guides that remain stationary relative to the furniture. The movement is achieved through the articulated structure sliding along these guides rather than wheels rolling on the floor, eliminating the scratching problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the backrest is folded backwards to convert sofa into bed, then the conversion is simple, but the sofa must be separated from the wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of conversionVSAvoidplacement flexibility near walls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion mechanism uses dynamic guides that change their configuration during the transformation process. The guides transition from a compact arrangement in sofa mode to an extended arrangement in bed mode, enabling the bed to be formed even when the furniture is positioned close to a wall, thus providing placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3412178B1Convertible furniture system for converting a sofa into a bed and vice versa
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 MONTES LOPEZ JOSE
  • EP3412178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3412178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3412178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a convertible system that occupies a reduced space and the installation thereof is located in side areas of a piece of furniture, which enables internal spaces of the unit of furniture to be used to store objects. It comprises a pair of lower guides (2) and a pair of upper guides (3) located above the lower guides (2); wherein the lower guides (2) and the upper guides (3) are located in side areas of the piece of furniture (1). It further comprises two articulated structures (5) that connect a first seat frame (6) and a second backrest frame (7); wherein the articulated structures (5) are coupled to the lower guides (2) and the upper guides (3).