Foldable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable beds have poor supporting strength due to inadequate linkage mechanisms, with weights being supported by pivot shafts with limited bearing capacity, leading to instability and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bed design featuring a four-bar linkage with a first and second linkage bar, where the first linkage bar is pivotally connected higher than the second, forming triangular support structures that enhance stability and support strength, and a locking mechanism for self-locking during use, allowing for compact folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a four-bar linkage mechanism is used to enable folding and unfolding, then the foldable bed achieves compact storage and portability, but the supporting strength deteriorates because the linkage bars and pivot shafts have limited bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism that transitions between folded and unfolded states. The linkage bars and pivot connections enable the bed to be dynamically transformed from a compact folded configuration to a stable unfolded supporting structure, resolving the contradiction between portability and supporting strength through state-dependent structural configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed structure is segmented into multiple components including linkage bars, pivot shafts, and support legs that can independently move and rotate. This segmentation allows the structure to be divided into compact segments for storage while reconfiguring into a distributed load-bearing structure when unfolded, addressing both portability and strength requirements.
2Device complexity
If the bed surface unit is supported by pivot shafts in the linkage mechanism, then the foldable bed achieves structural simplicity and ease of assembly, but the service life deteriorates due to poor supporting strength and excessive load on pivot shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot shafts are designed to operate dynamically within the four-bar linkage, transitioning between loaded and unloaded states during folding and unfolding cycles. This dynamic operation reduces cumulative stress on the pivot shafts compared to continuous static loading, thereby extending service life while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is designed with geometric constraints and force distribution characteristics that pre-cushion the loads on pivot shafts during normal operation. The four-bar linkage configuration naturally distributes forces across multiple connection points, reducing peak stresses on individual pivot shafts before damage can occur.
3Area of stationary object
If the linkage bars are positioned far apart to provide support coverage, then the bed surface coverage is improved, but the supporting strength deteriorates due to increased moment arm and reduced structural rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage is designed with asymmetric bar lengths and connection positions, where the first and second linkage bars have different configurations. This asymmetry allows optimization of force distribution and moment arms, achieving adequate bed surface coverage while maintaining structural rigidity through strategically positioned connections rather than symmetric wide spacing.
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 design achieves high support strength, stability, and long service life by ensuring the foldable bed is self-locked and compact, with improved folding and unfolding ease, reducing the load on hinge shafts and allowing for convenient storage.
Implementation Method 1
A four-bar linkage is defined by the bed surface unit, the one or more first support legs, the first linkage bar, and the second linkage bar, and the four-bar linkage is configured to be changed to be alternatively in a folded state or a supporting state
Implementation Method 2
Two ends of the first linkage bar are respectively pivotally connected to the bed surface unit and the one or more first support legs. Two ends of the second linkage bar are respectively pivotally connected to the bed surface unit and the one or more first support legs
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bed comprises a bed surface unit, one or more first support legs, a first linkage bar, and a second linkage bar. A four-bar linkage is defined by the bed surface unit, the one or more first support legs, the first linkage bar, and the second linkage bar, and the four-bar linkage is configured to be changed to be alternatively in a folded state or a supporting state. A first triangular support structure is defined by the first linkage bar, the bed surface unit, and the one or more first support legs, and a second triangular support structure is defined by the second linkage bar, the bed surface unit, and the one or more first support legs.