Convertible Sofa-Bed Structure for Flat, Stable Sleeping Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art sofa-beds are uncomfortable to sleep in due to insufficient rigidity in their bed frames and are complex, unstable, and difficult to manufacture, making them heavy and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A convertible sofa-bed design that features a buttock-foot member that can be easily slid between retracted and extended positions, with a foldable section comprising a head rest member and a back rest member that can be adjusted to provide a firm, flat surface for sleeping, and includes locking mechanisms to stabilize the sofa configuration, allowing for easy conversion between sofa and bed modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bed frame uses a system of springs to support the bed cushion, then the sofa-bed can be converted between sofa and bed configurations, but the springs are not sufficiently rigid to support a person laying down, causing backache and unpleasant sleep experience
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is divided into three separate support portions that can be independently positioned and configured. Each support portion can be adjusted to provide optimal support, allowing the frame to transition from a flexible sofa configuration to a rigid bed configuration. This segmentation enables the structure to achieve both adaptability and sufficient rigidity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed frame incorporates rotating parts and adjustable support portions that allow dynamic reconfiguration between sofa and bed modes. The support portions can be rotated and positioned to change the structural characteristics from flexible to rigid, enabling the frame to adapt its rigidity based on the required function.
2Volume of moving object
If the bed frame is folded into the sofa base portion with numerous rotating parts and accordion-style folding, then the sofa-bed can be compactly stored, but the bed frame becomes complex and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The three separate support portions are merged into a unified bed frame structure when extended. Instead of three independent folding units, they work together as a single stable platform when in the bed configuration, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining compact storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are pre-configured with rotating joints and connection mechanisms that automatically align and stabilize when extended. This preliminary design of the joint mechanisms ensures that when the frame is deployed, the components naturally lock into stable positions without requiring complex manual adjustment or additional stabilizing elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bed frame consists of three separate support portions folded in accordion fashion, then the sofa-bed can be converted to bed configuration, but the multiple support portions and pedestals add to instability and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is segmented into three separate support portions that can be independently adjusted and positioned. Each portion can be optimized for stability in its specific location, and when properly configured, they work together to create a stable bed platform. The segmentation allows for independent stabilization of each portion rather than relying on a complex interconnected folding structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially co-planar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed surface upon which a person may comfortably sleep. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position. The person may sit on the buttock-foot member and lean backwards onto the back rest member.