Futon Bed with Segmented Elastic Units to Reduce Packaging Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing futon beds face issues such as non-smooth transitions between states, instability in sofa configuration, monotonous folding mechanisms, relative displacement of cushions, inadequate base support, and large packaging volumes leading to high transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A futon bed design with detachable armrests, elastic units arranged in groups to form gaps for folding, and a connecting support assembly that includes side and middle support rods, along with a packaging method that involves folding and stacking components to reduce volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the futon bed uses a continuous bed board structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the packaging volume becomes excessively large and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bed board is divided into multiple independent elastic units arranged in an array, each unit capable of being compressed and locked independently. This segmentation allows the bed board to be folded into a compact configuration for packaging while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, resolving the contradiction between strength and packaging volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic units are designed to nest within each other when compressed and locked, allowing the bed board to be collapsed into a compact form factor for transportation. The nested structure maintains strength when deployed while minimizing packaging volume, directly addressing the contradiction between structural strength and transportation efficiency.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the futon bed uses a fixed angle mechanism between seat and backrest, then the stability in sofa configuration is improved, but the adaptability to meet diverse user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The futon bed employs a dynamic angle adjustment mechanism with multiple lockable positions between the seat and backrest, allowing users to fix the angle at different positions according to their needs. This dynamic system provides stability when locked at a specific angle while maintaining adaptability to accommodate diverse user requirements, resolving the contradiction between stability and versatility.
3Device complexity
If the futon bed uses a monotonous folding mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to meet diverse user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is segmented into multiple independent elastic units with individual locking members, allowing different portions of the bed to be folded independently into various configurations. This segmentation enables diverse folding options without requiring an overly complex overall mechanism, as each unit follows a standardized simple design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
4Strength
If the futon bed uses a non-detachable connection between armrests and bed boards, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation for users with limited strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism between armrests and bed boards incorporates pre-designed locking and unlocking features that require minimal force to operate. The locking members are positioned and sized to engage securely with locking matching members, providing strong connections that are yet easily operable by users with limited strength, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of operation.
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 allows for smooth transitions and stable configurations, reduces cushion displacement, supports both sofa and bed frames effectively, and significantly decreases packaging volume and transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of elastic units comprises an upper cover, a base, and a spring arranged between the upper cover and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A futon bed includes a left armrest, a right armrest, and two bed boards. The left armrest and the right armrest are detachably connected to the two bed boards. Each of the two bed boards includes at least two bed board frames and a plurality of elastic units. The plurality of elastic units are divided into at least two groups of elastic units to form a gap between two adjacent groups. Each of the at least two bed board frames includes a notch. Each of the plurality of elastic units includes an upper cover, a base, a spring, a locking member, and a locking matching member enabling a corresponding one of the plurality of elastic units to be fixed in a compressed state from a released state. A connecting support assembly includes a side support rod and a middle support rod.