Curved Lever Coupling for Compact Folding Sofa Bed Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding frameworks for furniture like sofa beds require substantial vertical space for folding and unfolding, and their design often leads to jamming and uneven unfolding, making them bulky and difficult to place on substrates without additional structures, which limits cleaning access.
Innovation Solution
A compact folding framework design featuring front and rear lever couplings with curved connections that allow for smooth unfolding and folding, eliminating basal projections when folded, enabling placement on substrates without substructures and facilitating cleaning, while maintaining stability through synchronized rotational and translational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertically spaced roto-translational couplings are used to connect base beams, then the framework can be folded and unfolded, but it requires substantial vertical space and creates basal projections when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing straight lever arms with curved lever couplings that have a specific arc shape. This curvature allows the couplings to rotate smoothly while maintaining a compact folded position without basal projections, resolving the contradiction between folding capability and compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the coupling mechanism from a vertical arrangement (requiring substantial vertical space) to a horizontal arrangement where the curved lever couplings fold parallel to the substrate. This dimensional change eliminates basal projections and reduces vertical space requirements.
2Device complexity
If straight lever couplings are used for folding mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the framework jams and unfolds unevenly
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lever couplings with their arc-shaped geometry provide smooth rotational movement during folding and unfolding operations. The curvature distributes the motion more evenly throughout the mechanism, preventing jamming and ensuring reliable operation while maintaining relatively simple construction.
3Volume of moving object
If compact folded position is achieved by eliminating basal projections, then the framework can be placed on substrates without substructure, but the folding mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lever couplings achieve compact folded positioning without basal projections through their arc-shaped design. The curvature allows the couplings to nest closely together in the folded position while maintaining the capability to unfold smoothly, achieving compactness without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a folding framework for an item of folding furniture such as a sofa bed, as well as an item of folding furniture comprising this framework. The framework is advantageous in part thanks to the front and rear lever coupling (6, 7), which allow a very compact folding of the framework thanks to their shape and position.