Bearing element for a lifting bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fold-down beds in campers, caravans, and boats require a storage element that balances space-saving design with stability, particularly in the pivoting mechanism, where existing solutions often compromise on either aspect.
Innovation Solution
The storage element features rotatably connected primary and secondary arms with indirect attachment points, where one end of the connecting element is attached to the arm and the other end is either on the wall/ceiling or the bed frame, allowing for offset longitudinal directions and reduced dimensions at the connection point, enabling compact folding and stable unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting point is made adjustable via a slotted hole, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates because the weight acting point becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the arm and the wall/ceiling or frame. This connecting element includes a mounting point with a slot, allowing adjustment, but the slot is part of the connecting element rather than the arm itself. This mediates between the need for adjustability and the need for stable force transfer, as the connection geometry can be optimized for load bearing while still allowing positioning adjustment.
2Strength
If the arms are designed with larger dimensions for stability, then strength is improved, but volume increases reducing space-saving design
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into two functional segments: the main arm structure which is optimized for strength and stability, and the connecting element which is a separate component that can be smaller and more compact. This segmentation allows the arm to maintain structural integrity while the overall assembly can be folded into a compact configuration when not in use, as the connecting element can be designed to fold along with the arm.
3Device complexity
If the connecting element is attached directly to the arm at the end, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize force distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element serves as an intermediary that, while adding a component, actually simplifies the overall design by providing a standardized interface between the arm and the mounting structure. This intermediate component allows for optimized force distribution through its specific geometry and attachment points, while the arm itself remains a simpler structural element. The connecting element can be designed to handle the complex force distribution requirements independently.
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
This design ensures stable and secure operation by maintaining constant force transfer and reducing installation space, allowing the bed to fold compactly while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining constant force transfer
Implementation Method 2
Both the primary and the secondary arm are rotatably mounted at this first attachment point
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a support element (1, 2) for a lifting bed. The support element (1, 2) has a primary arm (4, 5) and a secondary arm (2, 3). Both the primary arm (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) have a first attachment point (8, 7) at their first end for wall and/or ceiling mounting. Both the primary arm (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) are rotatably mounted at the first attachment point (8, 7). Both the primary arm (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) have a second attachment point (9, 10) located at the second end of the primary arm (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3), respectively. Here, both the primary (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) are rotatably attached to a frame member of the bed frame of the lifting bed at the second attachment point (9, 10). Furthermore, the primary (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) are rotatably connected to each other at a connection point (6).This connection point is located along the length of both the primary (4, 5) and the secondary arm (2, 3) between the first attachment point (8, 7) and the second attachment point (9, 10). At least one of the two attachment points (7) of one arm (2, 3) is indirectly attached via a connecting element (11). The connecting element (11) is rotatably attached at its first end to the respective attachment point (7) of the arm (2, 3) and rotatably attached at its second end (12) either to the wall and/or ceiling or to the frame part of the bed frame of the lift bed.