Folding Bed Joint with Spring-Loaded Hook Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bed joints with rotatable hinge structures become unstable over time due to loose hinge pins, posing safety risks and reducing the service life of the bed.
Innovation Solution
A joint device featuring a first connecting arm, a second connecting arm with a rotating shaft, and a connection locking mechanism with sliding pressing pieces and springs, allowing the hooks to lock and unlock the arms for stability during expansion and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable hinge structure is used to connect supporting legs with the frame, then the folding bed can be folded and expanded, but the hinge pin may loosen after repeated uses, causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking piece with hooks for engagement, pressing pieces for actuation, and springs for providing locking force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, with the locking piece providing stable connection and the pressing pieces enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded to provide continuous locking force on the hooks against the limiting surfaces of the through-holes. This preliminary action ensures that the joint remains securely locked during normal use without requiring continuous user intervention, preventing the loosening issue of traditional hinges.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with pressing pieces and springs is used, then the joint stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the locking piece: it serves as both the locking element (with hooks engaging through-holes) and the connection element (linking the first and second connecting arms). The pressing pieces simultaneously provide both the actuation force and the positioning function, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The springs automatically provide the locking force without external intervention, and the hooks automatically engage with the through-holes when the pressing pieces are released. The mechanism self-regulates to maintain secure locking during normal use, reducing the need for complex control systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second connecting arm is locked with the first connecting arm during expansion, then the folding bed stability is enhanced, but the ease of operation for storage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state during expansion where hooks engage with through-holes for maximum stability, and an unlocked state during folding where pressing pieces disengage the hooks. This dynamic adaptability allows the mechanism to optimize for either stability or operability based on the required function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking actions occur periodically during the folding and expanding cycles. The pressing pieces are actuated at specific moments (when folding or expanding) to temporarily disengage the hooks, allowing quick transition between states without requiring continuous manipulation.
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 enhances the stability of the folding bed during use and extends its durability by ensuring secure locking during expansion and easy storage, improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the two pressing pieces being slidable toward or away from each other through springs
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a joint device of a folding bed, which includes: a first connecting arm for connecting a supporting leg of the folding bed, with a through-hole provided thereon, a second connecting arm for connecting a frame of the folding bed, the second connecting arm being connected on an upper end part of the first connecting arm through a rotating shaft, and a connection locking mechanism including two pressing pieces arranged respectively on each side of the second connecting arm, each of the pressing pieces being connected with a hook, and the two pressing pieces being slidable toward or away from each other through springs, so that the hook passes through the second connecting arm and is hooked to or detached from the through-hole, thereby allowing the second connecting arm and the first connecting arm to be locked or unlocked relatively to each other.