Foldable Bed Frame Assembly Using Nested Longitudinal Bar Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable bed frames, especially double-layered frames, are not user-friendly and occupy excessive space during transportation and storage due to poor folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bed frame design featuring an inner lateral bar unit connected with first and second outer lateral bar units and longitudinal bar units, utilizing rotatable connections and couplers to facilitate efficient folding, allowing for compact storage and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing foldable bed frames use double-layered frames with stacked bars, then the bed frame structure is simple to manufacture, but the bed frame occupies excessive space during transportation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by allowing longitudinal bar units to be received within hollow spaces of lateral bar units during folding. Specifically, the longitudinal bar units are positioned inside the hollow sections of the lateral bar units when the bed frame is in folded state, achieving compact consolidation similar to nested dolls and significantly reducing storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic folding mechanisms with rotatable connections between lateral and longitudinal bar units. These connections enable the frame to transition between extended (use) and folded (storage) states, allowing the structure to adapt its volume dynamically based on operational requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing foldable bed frames use simple bar structures, then the manufacturing process is easy, but the bed frame cannot be folded well and takes up large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bed frame into modular segments including lateral bar units, longitudinal bar units, and connecting components. Each segment is independently manufacturable and can be assembled through simple connections, maintaining manufacturing ease while enabling effective folding operations through the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary connecting components such as rotatable joints and coupling mechanisms that facilitate the folding operation. These intermediaries enable smooth transitions between folded and extended states without requiring complex manual manipulation, thus improving ease of operation while keeping individual components simple to manufacture.
3Productivity
If the bed frame uses rotatable connections and couplers for folding, then the folding efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the rotatable connections and couplers in specific orientations and positions during manufacturing. This preliminary setup enables users to perform folding operations simply by applying minimal force in the correct direction, significantly improving folding efficiency without requiring users to understand or manage the underlying mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting mechanisms are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking, automatically guiding the folding operation and maintaining structural stability. The rotatable connections and couplers perform their functions autonomously during folding and unfolding, reducing the need for user intervention or complex control mechanisms while maintaining high folding efficiency.
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 enables the bed frame to be easily folded and unfolded, reducing storage and transportation space requirements while maintaining stability and flexibility, making it convenient for use in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first, second, third and fourth longitudinal bar units has a first end rotatably connected with a first end or a second end of the inner lateral bar unit
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable supporting assembly includes an inner lateral bar unit, and first, second, third and fourth longitudinal bar units. The first and second longitudinal bar units are disposed at a first side, and rotatably connected with the first and second ends of the inner lateral bar unit. The third and fourth longitudinal bar units are disposed at a second side, and rotatably connected with the first and second ends of the inner lateral bar unit. When folded, one of the first and second longitudinal bar units is disposed between the inner lateral bar unit and the other one of the first and second longitudinal bar units, and one of the third and fourth longitudinal bar units is disposed between the inner lateral bar unit and the other one of the third and fourth longitudinal bar units.