Lumbar Support Mechanism with Linkage-Driven Adjustability for Beds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional adjustable beds have limited adjustability, which restricts users' ability to achieve maximum comfort by adjusting body positions according to their preference.

Innovation Solution

A lumbar support mechanism for adjustable beds, comprising a lumbar support member, support legs, a linkage member, and lumbar support brackets, allowing for adjustable distance between the lumbar support member and the linkage member, thereby providing customizable lumbar support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustable beds are used, then the bed structure is simple, but the adjustability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidbed structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bed is divided into multiple independently adjustable segments including head section, back section, seat section, and leg section. Each segment can be adjusted separately through individual actuators, allowing comprehensive body positioning while maintaining a modular structural framework that doesn't overly complicate the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bed incorporates multiple dynamic adjustment capabilities including lumbar support that can move between retracted and extended positions, and seat depth that can be adjusted independently. These dynamic elements are integrated into the existing adjustable bed mechanism, allowing enhanced versatility without requiring a complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If lumbar support is added to adjustable bed, then user comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser comfortVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lumbar support mechanism is merged with the existing adjustable bed frame structure. The lumbar support actuator integrates with the bed's control system and structural framework, allowing the lumbar support function to be added without creating a separate independent mechanism, thus minimizing overall complexity while enhancing user comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12324523B2Lumbar support mechanism and adjustable bed therewith

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 NISCO CO LTD(JP)

AI summary

The lumbar support mechanism and an adjustable bed therewith. The lumbar support mechanism includes a lumbar support member; first, second, third and fourth support legs; a linkage member; and first and second lumbar support brackets attached onto the adjustable bed. Upper ends of the first and second support legs are pivotally connected to the lumbar support member, and lower ends of the first and second support legs are pivotally connected to the linkage member, respectively. Upper ends of the third and fourth support legs are pivotally connected to the first and second support legs, respectively, and lower ends of the third and fourth support legs are pivotally connected to the first and second lumbar support brackets, respectively. As such, a distance between the lumbar support member and the linkage member is changeable between minimal and maximal distances when the linkage member moves between first and second positions.