Adjustable Headboard Backrest With Coupled Sliding and Pivoting Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headboards with reclining backrests require manual adjustment, necessitating users to turn or exit the bed to adjust the inclination and height, which is cumbersome and may cause discomfort due to a bar-like structure at the back.
Innovation Solution
A headboard design featuring a backrest with sliding and pivoting connection means, utilizing a common actuator for simultaneous adjustment, maintaining the lower edge at a constant level, and incorporating a remote control for easy operation from the bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used for backrest inclination and height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must turn or exit the bed to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate adjustment mechanisms (inclination adjustment and height adjustment) into a single integrated mechanism. The backrest is connected to the support structure through both pivoting connection means (for inclination) and sliding connection means (for height), which are coupled together so that a single user action simultaneously adjusts both parameters, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical adjustment systems with an actuated system. An actuator (such as a motor or hydraulic cylinder) automatically positions the backrest by controlling both the pivoting and sliding connection means, substituting complex manual operations with automated mechanical actuation that responds to simple user input
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the backrest is tilted without height adjustment, then a bar-like structure appears at the back level causing discomfort, but simultaneous adjustment increases mechanism complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pivoting connection means (enabling tilt) and sliding connection means (enabling height adjustment) into a coupled system where both movements occur simultaneously. This integration ensures that when the backrest tilts, it also adjusts its height to maintain the lower edge at a constant level, preventing the formation of the harmful bar-like structure at the back
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of equipotentiality by maintaining the lower edge of the backrest at a constant height level throughout the adjustment range. The coordinated action of pivoting and sliding connection means ensures that the backrest moves along a path that keeps the lower edge at a fixed vertical position, eliminating the harmful effect of height variation during tilting
3Productivity
If separate mechanisms are used for inclination and height adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of adjustment process deteriorates requiring multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inclination and height adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism where the pivoting and sliding connection means work together. This allows the user to achieve the desired backrest position in a single continuous motion rather than requiring multiple separate adjustments, significantly improving the productivity of the adjustment process
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The headboard has a sliding movement connection unit (4) moved relative to a support structure (3) in a displacement direction. A swiveling connection unit (5) swivels relative to the support structure around an axis orthogonal to the displacement direction. An actuator (7) is placed between a backrest (2) and the support structure and extends with the sliding movement and swiveling connection units. The actuator allows passage of the backrest from a compact position to a large dimension position in parallel with passage of the backrest from a high position to a low position and vice-versa. An independent claim is also included for a method for adjusting a position relative to a vertical part of a backrest of a headboard.