Foldable Sofa-Bed with Segmented Mattress for Simplified Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible sofa-beds are often heavy and require intricate mechanisms for unfolding and folding, and many lack a complete mattress, necessitating separate support sections that may not provide a comfortable sleeping surface.
Innovation Solution
A foldable sofa-bed design featuring a frame with separate seat, intermediate, and head sections, each with a cushion, and a pair of folding mechanisms that allow these sections to move between a folded and unfolded position, forming a comfortable sleeping surface using a linear actuator and pivotally interconnected links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete mattress is folded within the sofa cavity, then a comfortable sleeping surface is provided, but the unit becomes heavy and requires an intricate mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The mattress is divided into multiple sections (head section, intermediate section, foot section) that can be folded independently. Each section is connected by folding mechanisms that allow sequential folding and unfolding, reducing the complexity of the overall mechanism while maintaining the complete mattress functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The folded mattress sections are nested within the sofa cavity, with each section positioned within the cavity during non-use. The head section is positioned below the intermediate section and the foot section above the intermediate section, creating a compact nested arrangement that eliminates the need for external storage.
2Device complexity
If separate sections are used to form the sleeping surface, then the mechanism is simplified, but the sleeping surface comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separate folding sections are merged with individual cushions that provide comfort. Each section (head, intermediate, foot) has an associated cushion, and when unfolded, these sections and cushions work together to form a complete, comfortable sleeping surface that mimics a traditional mattress.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the bed have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The head section provides head support, the intermediate section provides body support, and the foot section provides foot support. Each section's cushion is positioned to provide localized comfort where needed.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple sections are stacked vertically in the cavity, then space is optimized, but the folding mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanisms are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the sections to move between folded and unfolded positions. The folding mechanisms include movable components that enable smooth transitions between configurations, reducing the complexity of controlling multiple stacked sections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A foldable sofa-bed includes: a base with an internal cavity and a rear member; a foldable bed that includes separate and distinct head, intermediate and seat sections, each with a respective cushion, wherein in a folded position, the intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed and positioned in vertically stacked relationship, with the intermediate and seat cushions facing generally upwardly, and the head section is generally vertically disposed and positioned adjacent the rear wall of the base, and in an unfolded position, the head, intermediate and seat sections are generally horizontally disposed in serial alignment; and a bed folding mechanism that is attached to the base and the head, intermediate and seat sections that controls the movement of the bed between the folded and unfolded positions. In moving from the folded to the unfolded position, the intermediate section maintains generally the same orientation.