Modular adjustable bed system facilitating assembly in a manual, partially-electric, or fully-electric configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable bed systems lack flexibility in configuration, requiring complex assembly or specialized manufacturing for different settings, and often necessitate tools for actuator assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A modular adjustable bed system that allows for manual, partially-electric, or fully-electric configuration, featuring a fixed frame assembly, movable sections, linkage assemblies, and interchangeable actuators, enabling customization without complex assembly or specialized tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable bed systems are designed for different configurations (manual, partially-electric, fully-electric), then customization for particular purposes is enabled, but assembly complexity and manufacturing specialization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration customizationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bed system is divided into modular components including frame assemblies, linkage assemblies, and interchangeable actuator assemblies. Each module can be independently assembled and configured, allowing the system to adapt to different settings (manual, partially-electric, fully-electric) without requiring complete redesign or complex specialized assembly procedures for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same base structure to accommodate multiple types of actuators (manual cranks, electric motors, or combinations). This multi-functional design enables a single platform to serve multiple configurations, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If actuators are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, then ease of customization is improved, but specialized tools may be required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator assembly easeVSAvoidtool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator assemblies incorporate self-aligning mounting features and snap-fit or toolless fastening mechanisms that enable users to assemble and disassemble actuators without requiring specialized tools. The design includes integrated mounting brackets and standardized connection points that guide proper alignment and secure attachment through simple hand-operated fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11129761B2Modular adjustable bed system facilitating assembly in a manual, partially-electric, or fully-electric configuration
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 MEDICAL DEPOT INC
  • US11129761B2 patent drawing
  • US11129761B2 patent drawing
  • US11129761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bed system includes a fixed frame, a movable frame, and first and second end boards disposed at the head and foot ends of the fixed frame, respectively. The system may be assembled and/or configured such that: a first electric or manual actuator is coupled between the fixed frame assembly and a first linkage assembly of the movable frame assembly for powered or manual movement of a first movable section of the movable frame assembly; a second electric or manual actuator is coupled between the fixed frame assembly and a second linkage assembly for powered or manual movement of a second movable section of the movable frame assembly; and/or a third electric or manual actuator is coupled between the first and second end boards for powered or manual height adjustment of the head and foot ends of the fixed frame assembly.