Mattress-Supported Bed Tray Frame for Stable Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for bed trays, such as those with legs or frames between a mattress and box spring, are either cumbersome or prone to slipping, leading to instability and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A mattress-supported tubular frame with a continuous loop design, featuring a planar supported portion, an orthogonal center portion, and a horizontal tray support portion, along with a rectangular tray with raised edges and snap-on clips, provides a stable and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tray with legs is used to support the tray above the floor, then the tray can be positioned for use, but it becomes cumbersome and easily knocked over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate support structure consisting of vertical members connecting a horizontal support plate to the mattress surface. This intermediary structure transfers the tray's weight to the mattress, eliminating the need for floor-based legs while providing stable support and preventing the tray from being easily knocked over.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from floor-based vertical support to mattress-based support by introducing a horizontal dimension of support through the support plate. The vertical members extend upward from the mattress surface to the support plate, creating a stable three-dimensional structure that anchors the tray to the bed rather than the floor.
2Reliability
If a frame with multiple vertical members is used to support the tray, then the tray can be stabilized, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (vertical members and support plate) into a single integrated frame structure. The continuous tubular frame combines the functions of vertical support and horizontal positioning into one piece, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous tubular frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vertical support, horizontal positioning, structural rigidity, and attachment points for the tray. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the required stability.
3Ease of operation
If a flat plate is used as the support structure, then the tray can be positioned horizontally, but the plate may slip between the mattress and box spring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous tubular frame with curved surfaces that can flex and conform to the contours of the mattress and box spring interface. This flexible tubular structure maintains constant contact with the mating surfaces, preventing slippage while preserving the horizontal positioning capability of the support plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous tubular frame utilizes curved surfaces that can adapt to the non-planar interface between mattress and box spring. The curvature of the tubular members allows them to conform to slight irregularities in the surfaces, increasing friction and preventing slippage while maintaining the required horizontal support function.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray is supported by a tubular frame residing between a mattress and box spring. The frame is a single continuous loop of tubing having a substantially horizontally residing supported portion, a vertical center portion, and a substantially horizontal tray support portion. The tray is rectangular with a raised edge and includes clips residing on a tray bottom to snap onto the frame.