Foldable Bed Cable-Tension Leg Deployment for Compact Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable folding beds for children are hindered by excessive weight, large volume when folded, and cumbersome deployment/undeployment processes, making them unwieldy for transport and use.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bed design featuring a frame with foldable rods, flexible cables for automated leg deployment, and a modular structure that allows for quick assembly and disassembly, reducing weight and volume while enabling easy handling and versatile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a foldable base is added to support the mattress and stiffen between legs, then the bed provides adequate support and stability, but the weight of the bed increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy foldable base from the system entirely. Instead, the mattress is directly supported by the flexible cable tension mechanism and the frame structure, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cables automatically provide both the support function and the stiffening function between legs through their tensioning mechanism. The system serves itself by using the same structural elements for multiple functions, eliminating the need for a separate base component.
2Volume of moving object
If the bed structure is made compact for portability, then the volume when folded is reduced, but the deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical folding mechanisms with a simplified flexible cable tensioning system. The cables naturally guide the frame into its deployed configuration through tension, eliminating the need for complex joints and locking mechanisms that would slow deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed structure utilizes dynamic flexible cables that automatically adjust their tension as the frame deploys. This allows the structure to transition smoothly from folded to deployed state without rigid mechanical constraints, reducing deployment time while maintaining compact folded volume.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used to secure legs to the frame, then the structure is stable, but the deployment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cables automatically secure the legs to the frame through their tensioning action. As the cables are tensioned during deployment, they naturally pull the legs into their correct positions and hold them there, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes traditional fastening mechanisms (screws, clips, or latches) from the leg-to-frame connection system. The connection is achieved purely through the flexible cable tensioning mechanism, simplifying both the structure and the deployment process.
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 significantly reduces the weight and volume of the folded bed, streamlines the deployment process, and provides a versatile product that can serve multiple functions, enhancing user convenience and portability.
Implementation Method 1
the cable being stretched between the links when the upper is unfolded, the tension of the cable causing the positioning of the feet in the deployment position
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable bed (50) comprising: - a frame (505) that can be folded according to at least one axis comprising a foldable rod (510), - at least two legs (515), each leg being attached to the frame by a link (520), said link allowing said leg to be positioned in a deployed position and in a folded position and - the foldable rod being associated with each link to either side of the folding axis, in which: - each link comprises an opening (525) that passes through said link, and - each leg comprises an attachment (530) to a flexible wire (535) linking two legs and passing through the folding axis of the frame, the wire being tensioned when the rod is unfolded, the tension of the wire moving the legs to be positioned in the deployed position.