Folding Sofa Self-Locking Mechanism for Stable Mode Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sofa beds are unstable during conversion between sofa and bed modes due to the lack of a reliable locking structure, making the conversion process time-consuming and strenuous, and they pose a risk of pinch accidents from exposed gaps in the iron frame mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A self-locking mechanism for a folding sofa featuring a link assembly, self-locking rivet, and limit rotating rod, which allows for one-step unfolding or folding with a simple operation, and includes a self-locking rivet that prevents the link assembly from rotating, ensuring stability and safety by eliminating gaps in the iron frame mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional connection mechanisms are used for sofa bed conversion, then the sofa bed can be converted between sofa and bed modes, but the conversion process is time-consuming and strenuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion speedVSAvoidoperation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the link assembly automatically locks into position during conversion without requiring manual intervention. The self-locking rivet and arc-shaped hook structure enable the mechanism to secure itself automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually operate complex connection mechanisms, thereby reducing both time and effort required for conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional connection mechanisms are used for sofa bed conversion, then the sofa bed can be converted between modes, but the sofa bed becomes unstable during conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during conversionVSAvoidlocking structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a self-locking rivet as an intermediary element that mediates between the link assembly and the arc-shaped hook. This rivet automatically engages with the hook to provide stable locking during conversion, ensuring reliability without requiring complex multi-component locking structures. The intermediary element simplifies the overall system while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional connection mechanisms are used, then the sofa bed can be converted between modes, but exposed gaps in the iron frame mechanism pose pinch accident risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepinch hazardVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested design where the link assembly fits within the iron frame structure, and the self-locking rivet nests within the arc-shaped hook. This nested arrangement eliminates exposed gaps in the mechanism by ensuring all moving parts are contained within the frame structure, thereby removing pinch hazards without requiring additional protective covers or complex external structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20260060436A1Self-locking mechanism for folding sofa
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 JIAXING REST FURNITURE & APPLIANCE CO LTD
  • US20260060436A1 patent drawing
  • US20260060436A1 patent drawing
  • US20260060436A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-locking mechanism for a folding sofa is provided. The self-locking mechanism includes a link assembly, a self-locking rivet, and a limit rotating rod, where the link assembly includes one end pivoted to a front sofa cushion and the other end pivoted to a fixed base frame of a sofa frame; the front sofa cushion is folded and stored on a rear sofa cushion inside the sofa frame or unfolded at one side of the rear sofa cushion through the linkage of the link assembly; the self-locking rivet is located on the link assembly; the limit rotating rod is movably provided on the front sofa cushion; one end of the limit rotating rod is provided with an arc-shaped hook corresponding to the self-locking rivet; and when the front sofa cushion is unfolded at one side of the rear sofa cushion, the link assembly drives the self-locking rivet to slide.