Folding Headboard Connectors for Compact Bed Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headboards are bulky during storage and transport due to their fixed connectors, which hinder efficient assembly and increase logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
The headboard features retractable tubular connectors with pivot means that allow folding against the panel, reducing bulk during transport and storage, and deploy perpendicularly for assembly, ensuring secure locking with screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connectors are rigidly fixed to the panel, then the assembly structure is simple and reliable, but the headboard size increases during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The connector's tubular element is made movable relative to the panel through a pivot joint, allowing it to change position from retracted (parallel to panel) to deployed (perpendicular to panel). This dynamic configuration enables the headboard to reduce volume during transport while maintaining assembly reliability when the connector is deployed and locked.
2Ease of operation
If the tubular element is deployed perpendicular to the panel for assembly, then the connector can be fitted to the bed frame, but the headboard occupies more space during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint enables the tubular element to dynamically switch between deployed (perpendicular) and retracted (parallel) positions. During assembly, the element is deployed perpendicular to the panel for easy fitting to the bed frame. During storage, it is retracted parallel to the panel to minimize headboard volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into two main parts: the base fixed to the panel and the tubular element that can pivot relative to the base. This segmentation allows the tubular element to be independently positioned, enabling it to be perpendicular during assembly and parallel during storage.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connectors are attached at the factory, then the headboard is ready for immediate use, but the flat panel size is burdened by the projecting connections
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint allows the tubular element to be in a retracted position parallel to the panel during manufacturing and storage, minimizing the panel's effective area. The element can then be deployed perpendicular to the panel when needed for assembly, without permanently increasing the panel's footprint.
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
This design allows for a compact headboard during storage and transport while maintaining secure assembly to the bed frame, enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
each connector has means for retracting said tubular element from an assembly position to a position of less bulk, and vice versa, consisting of pivot means allowing the folding of said tubular element against said panel in said position of less bulk
Implementation Method 2
each connector having means for locking the tubular element in rotation upon opening in said assembly position for which said tubular element is substantially perpendicular to said panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The head (1) has a panel (2) equipped with two connections (3) for assembling the head in tubular side rails of a bed frame, where each connection has a projecting tubular element (6). The tubular elements are respectively force-fitted at a level of the tubular side rails. Each connection comprises retraction units that retract the tubular element from an assembling position toward a reduced encumbrance position (P2) and vice versa. The retraction units are constituted by pivot units authorizing folding back of the tubular element against the panel in the encumbrance position.