Height-adjustable bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beds are difficult to maneuver and clean under, particularly for cleaning personnel, as they are heavy and require significant bodily strain due to the need for bending and lifting, and the space under the bed is hard to access.
Innovation Solution
A bed with a lifting device featuring pivot mechanisms and an electric actuator, allowing for vertical adjustment and easy movement via wheels, facilitating bed manipulation and access to under-bed areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bed is made heavy and stable, then the bed frame provides sufficient support and stability, but the bed becomes difficult to maneuver and clean under
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame incorporates a height-adjustable lifting device with an electric actuator that enables dynamic height adjustment between a first height (for stability during use) and a second height (for ease of cleaning and maneuvering). This transforms the static bed into a dynamic system that adapts to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the bed is positioned low for accessibility, then the bed is easy to access, but the space under the bed is hard to reach for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device allows the bed to be dynamically adjusted between a low position (first height) that maximizes accessibility for users and a high position (second height) that creates ample space under the bed for cleaning. The electric actuator enables easy transition between these positions, eliminating the need to choose between accessibility and cleanability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lifting device is added to the bed, then the bed can be adjusted in height and moved easily, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a modern electric actuator that directly drives the height adjustment. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism while providing precise and reliable height control, reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional screw jacks or hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: it provides height adjustment, supports the bed frame, enables easy maneuvering, and facilitates cleaning access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby minimizing overall device complexity while maximizing adaptability.
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 lifting device enables space-efficient bed adjustment, reducing physical strain and enhancing cleaning ease by allowing the bed to be moved and positioned without straining the user, while minimizing injury risk and optimizing space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
it has been proven to be space-saving and particularly effective for transmitting the forces that the electric actuator is designed as an electric linear motor
Implementation Method 2
the lower frame part, the upper frame part and the two levers are pivotably connected to one another in the manner of a parallelogram mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The bed according to the invention has a bed frame which, in a starting position of the bed, is supported via bed legs on a standing surface. Furthermore, a lifting device for lifting the bed between the starting position and a high position is provided, which lifting device has pivot mechanisms arranged on opposing sides of the bed frame, which each are provided with a lower frame part, an upper frame part mounted on the bed frame, and two levers pivotably connected to the lower frame part and the upper frame part, wherein the lower frame part, the upper frame part and the two levers are pivotably connected to one another in the manner of a parallelogram mechanism, and the lifting device comprises at least one electric actuator for actuating the pivot mechanisms. In the starting position of the bed, the pivot mechanisms do not have any contact with the standing surface, while they are supported on the standing surface in the high position and hold the bed frame including the bed legs at a distance from the standing surface.