Hook-Shaped Bed Frame Connector for Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bed assembly and disassembly processes are inefficient, requiring significant time and effort, and pose logistical challenges due to large and heavy components, as well as risks associated with screw connections that can be over- or under-tightened, leading to loose or damaged connections.

Innovation Solution

A bed design featuring detachable hook-shaped connecting parts that engage with the bed frame without screws, providing vertical and transverse offsets for rigidity, and a clamping mechanism with a defined stop position to ensure secure attachment and easy assembly/disassembly, using a resilient means for closure and frictional forces for secure holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw connections are used to attach safety sides and panels to the bed frame, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly process requires a great deal of time and the risk of over- or under-tightening exists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw connection system with a hook-shaped engaging portion system. Instead of using threads and tightening torques, the invention uses geometric interlocking through hooks that engage with corresponding openings in the bed frame, eliminating the need for rotational fastening operations and associated time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook-shaped connecting parts are designed to automatically engage with the bed frame openings and secure themselves without requiring external tightening tools or operations. The connection mechanism self-secures through the geometric configuration of the hooks and openings, eliminating the need for manual tightening force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screw connections are used to attach safety sides and panels to the bed frame, then the connection can be secured, but the risk of over- or under-tightening can lead to loose or crushed components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcomponent damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw connection system with a hook-shaped engaging portion system. Instead of using threads and tightening torques, the invention uses geometric interlocking through hooks that engage with corresponding openings in the bed frame, eliminating the need for rotational fastening operations and associated time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook-shaped connecting parts are designed to automatically engage with the bed frame openings and secure themselves without requiring external tightening tools or operations. The connection mechanism self-secures through the geometric configuration of the hooks and openings, eliminating the need for manual tightening force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If large and heavy assemblies are preassembled in larger units/modules, then fewer connections are needed, but the logistical flexibility is restricted and the effort to provide different variants is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidlogistical flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bed structure into modular components (side elements, safety sides, panels, head and foot parts) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has standardized hook-shaped connecting parts that can be quickly attached or detached from the bed frame, enabling flexible configuration and easy replacement of individual modules without handling large heavy assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If the bed is designed for quick disassembly to save space in hospitals and nursing homes, then storage efficiency is improved, but the connection must still be secure during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space efficiencyVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic connection system where the holder can transition between a closed secured state (during use) and an open detached state (for storage). The holder covers the engagement elements and prevents accidental disengagement during normal use, but can be manually opened to allow quick removal of components for compact storage when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates quick, easy, and reproducible assembly and disassembly of bed components, reducing the risk of damage and improving logistical flexibility, while ensuring secure connections without the need for manual screwing forces.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient means (32) is provided in order to move the holder (30) into the closed state and/or to keep it in the closed state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

frictional forces for secure holding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3473228B1Bed with connection part
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 JOH STIEGELMEYER & CO GMBH
  • EP3473228B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3473228B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3473228B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

Bed (1) with an attachment part (10) detachably attached to the side of the bed (1), such as in particular a side guard (10), wherein at least one connecting part (20) is provided for the attachment part (10) for connection with the frame (3, 4) of the bed (1), and the at least one connecting part (20) has at least two hook-shaped engagement sections (22, 23) for engagement with the frame (3, 4) of the bed (1).