Futon Bed Elastic Unit Segmentation to Reduce Packaging Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing futon beds face issues such as non-smooth transitions between states, stability problems, monotonous folding mechanisms, relative displacement of cushions, inadequate base support, and large packaging volumes due to inability to disassemble and fold components efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A futon bed design featuring elastic units on bed boards that can be compressed and locked using buckling members, allowing for efficient folding and reduced transportation volume, with features like expandable sleeves and pull rings for easy state transitions and stable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic units are used in bed board configuration, then comfort is improved, but packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed board is segmented into multiple independent elastic units (3-9 units) arranged in parallel, each capable of independent compression and expansion. This segmentation allows the bed board to be folded into a compact configuration for transportation while maintaining the comfort function during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic units are designed with nested structures where components can be inserted into each other during compression. The releasing portions are inserted into corresponding receiving structures, and the entire bed board can be folded to nest within a compact space for transportation.
2Device complexity
If traditional sofa bed mechanisms are used, then structure is simple, but transition between states is not smooth and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sofa bed incorporates a dynamic adjusting mechanism that allows smooth transition between sofa and bed states. The mechanism includes movable components that can be easily manipulated to change the configuration, improving ease of operation while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary adjusting mechanism is introduced between the seat and backrest components, serving as a mediator to enable smooth state transitions. This mechanism includes guiding structures and connection elements that facilitate controlled movement between different configurations.
3Device complexity
If cushion and resilient layer are directly connected, then structure is simple, but relative displacement occurs during use
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion and resilient layer are pre-connected through fixing structures during assembly. The resilient layer is secured to the support frame before the cushion is installed, preventing relative displacement during subsequent use. This preliminary fixing action ensures stability without requiring complex ongoing adjustment mechanisms.
4Strength
If bed panel frame and bed panels are rigidly connected, then structural strength is improved, but disassembly and folding become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bed panel frame and bed panels are divided into separable components connected through standardized connection structures. This segmentation allows the frame and panels to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural strength during use through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different connection qualities are applied to different parts of the structure. Critical load-bearing connections use stronger fixed connections, while non-critical areas use easier-to-assemble connections. This local differentiation allows the structure to maintain strength where needed while facilitating easy assembly and disassembly elsewhere.
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 design enables smooth state transitions, improved stability, efficient folding, and reduced packaging volume, enhancing user convenience and lowering transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of elastic units comprises an elastic support frame and a spring
Implementation Method 2
the spring is arranged between the upper cover and the base and inside of the plurality of straps
Implementation Method 3
The locking member is an expandable sleeve, and the locking matching member is a position-limiting sleeve. An outer wall of the expandable sleeve extends radially outward to form a first position-limiting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A futon bed includes two bed boards. The two bed boards are divided into a mattress and a backrest cushion. Each of the two bed boards includes a bed board frame, a plurality of elastic units, and one or more buckling members. An upper cover and a base of each of the plurality of elastic units respectively comprise a locking member and a locking matching member. Each of the one or more buckling members includes one or more releasing portions each of which has an insertion position and a separate position. At the insertion position, the locking member is fixed in a locking position. At the separate position, the locking member is separated from the locking position. The backrest cushion can be in a horizontal state to define a second mattress, and the backrest cushion can be in a vertical state to enable the futon bed to be a sofa.