Foldable bed frames and supports and connecting mechanisms for foldable bed frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable bed frames are often unstable and require large packaging due to the thickness of their components, which increases shipping and storage costs, and existing oblique supports can loosen fasteners, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
The design includes pivotally connected sub-frames, side leg assemblies, and oblique supports with connecting mechanisms that allow for compact folding and stable unfolding, using leg connecting pieces, leg limiting pieces, and support connecting mechanisms with elastic members to secure the oblique supports, reducing the overall thickness and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If legs are connected to sub-frames by oblique supports without releasing mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the oblique supports exert forces on fasteners causing them to loosen and the bed frame becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a releasing mechanism that allows the oblique supports to be dynamically adjusted between locked and unlocked states. The releasing mechanism includes a releasing component that can move between positions to either engage with or disengage from the oblique support, enabling the system to adapt its connectivity based on operational needs while maintaining stability when locked and allowing reconfiguration when unlocked.
2Strength
If the foldable bed frame is designed with traditional thickness, then it provides sufficient structural strength, but it requires large packaging containers and storage spaces increasing shipping and storage costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by designing the leg assemblies to fold inward toward the center of the bed frame structure. When folded, the legs are positioned within the space defined by the sub-frames, creating a compact nested configuration. This allows the bed frame to maintain sufficient structural strength when unfolded while reducing to a minimal thickness for compact packaging and storage, eliminating the need for large packaging containers.
3Device complexity
If oblique supports are short bars directly fastened to lateral bars and sub-frames, then the structure is simple, but the fasteners loosen resulting in an unstable foldable bed frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a releasing mechanism as an intermediate component between the oblique supports and the fasteners. This releasing mechanism acts as a mediator that controls the connection state, preventing direct force transmission that would cause fastener loosening. The intermediary mechanism allows for controlled engagement and disengagement while distributing forces more evenly, thereby maintaining fastener stability and overall structural integrity.
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 solution results in a stable, compact, and cost-effective foldable bed frame that is convenient for packing and transportation, with improved stability and reduced material usage, minimizing the risk of fastener loosening.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to restore the fastener in an initial position
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are foldable bed frames, and oblique supports and connecting mechanisms for foldable bed frames. A foldable bed frame includes first and second sub-frames, and first and second side leg assemblies. The first and second sub-frames, each having top and bottom surfaces, are pivotally connected to each other. The first and second side leg assemblies are pivotally connected to the sub-frames and positioned within the space between the top and bottom surfaces of the sub-frames when folded. In some cases, the foldable bed frame includes a middle leg assembly, oblique supports, connecting pieces, and/or support connecting mechanisms.