Device for handling beds

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed handling systems for campers and motor homes are inefficient in terms of installation time and cost, and are not easily adaptable to beds of varying shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a shaft connected to an electric gearmotor with externally positioned electromechanical encoder and flexible transmission means, allowing the control device to be mounted anywhere along the shaft, enabling easy installation and adaptability to different bed structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an electronic encoder associated with the gearmotor is used to control bed position, then the bed position can be precisely controlled, but the installation time and cost increase, and the device becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebed position control precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electronic encoders and programmable control units with a simple mechanical control device consisting of a control shaft, control element, and indicator. This mechanical solution is much cheaper and simpler to install while providing sufficient control functionality for bed position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the electronic control system (encoder + programmable controller) with a purely mechanical control system. The control element rotates the control shaft, which through transmission means controls the gearmotor, eliminating the need for electronic sensors and complex control logic while maintaining functional control over bed position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If an electronic encoder with programmable control unit is used, then the bed position can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebed position control precisionVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electronic encoders and programmable control units with a simple mechanical control device consisting of a control shaft, control element, and indicator. This mechanical solution is much cheaper and simpler to install while providing sufficient control functionality for bed position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex electronic components (encoder, programmable controller, electrical connections) from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical control function. This simplification eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the core functionality of controlling bed position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a fixed control device configuration is used, then the control system is simpler, but it cannot be easily adapted to beds of various shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol device simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different bed configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the control device with universal applicability through the flexible mounting of the control element and control shaft, which can be positioned at any location on the bed structure. The transmission means can be configured with different ratios to accommodate various bed weights and dimensions, making the same basic control device adaptable to multiple bed types without requiring complex customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces flexibility and adjustability to the control system by allowing the control element and control shaft to be mounted at variable positions and orientations. The transmission means can be configured with different gear ratios to match different load requirements, enabling the control device to dynamically adapt to various bed configurations rather than being fixed in a single arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3050749B1Device for handling beds
Publication Date: 2017.05.24 NARDINI DAVIDE
  • EP3050749B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050749B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050749B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Device for handling bed frames installed in vehicles, comprising a shaft (1) connected to an electric gearmotor (10) through which the shaft is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise, wherein on said shaft (1) there are bound more belts (20, 30, 40, 50) which, by winding on the shaft (1) or unwinding, are adapted to raise or lower a frame (R) on which a mattress can be placed, and wherein an encoder (7) controls the rotation of said shaft (1). The encoder (7) is positioned externally to the shaft (1), is external to the motorgear (10) and is connected to the shaft (1) by means of a transmission external to the shaft (1) and external to the gearmotor (10), said transmission comprising toothed transmission means (8, 9; 19A, 19B) connected to the shaft (1) and to the encoder (7)