Modular Bed Frame with Biasing Linkage for Cushioning Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bed bases or modular beds are typically made of stiff materials, which fail to provide a cushioning effect, unlike mattresses.
Innovation Solution
A modular bed design featuring a base frame unit with support frame units that include leading and trailing bars, mounting frames, biasing members, and linkages, which generate a counteracting force to provide cushioning by adjusting the position of the retaining member in response to loading or unloading, utilizing leaf springs and pin mechanisms to engage with abutment walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bed bases are made from stiff material, then structural strength is improved, but cushioning effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed base is divided into multiple independent support frame units (first, second, third, fourth support frame units) that can move relative to each other. Each support frame unit includes individual mounting frames, biasing members, and linkage mechanisms, allowing localized deformation and cushioning while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular segmented design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame units are designed with movable linkages (left and right linkages) that allow dynamic adjustment and relative displacement between mounting frames. This dynamic structure enables the bed base to adapt to loading conditions, providing cushioning effect through controlled movement rather than static rigidity, while maintaining structural integrity through the linkage constraints.
Solution Approach 3:
The biasing members (springs) change their mechanical parameters (force, displacement) in response to loading conditions. The linkage mechanism changes the geometric parameters (angles, positions) of the support frame units, allowing the structure to transition between rigid and compliant states, providing both strength and cushioning effect under different operating conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If modular bed structure is designed with multiple moving parts, then cushioning effect is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame units are designed as universal modular components that can be repeatedly used throughout the bed structure. Each unit includes mounting frames, biasing members, and linkages that perform multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling relative movement for cushioning, and maintaining geometric constraints. This multi-functionality reduces overall complexity by using standardized reusable components rather than unique parts for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism is nested within the support frame unit structure, with left and right linkages integrated into each mounting frame assembly. The biasing members are positioned within the triangular regions formed by the linkages and mounting frames. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into compact integrated units, reducing spatial complexity and facilitating modular assembly.
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
The modular bed effectively provides a cushioning effect by counteracting loading and unloading movements, enhancing comfort and support similar to a mattress, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the biasing members is disposed in the cavity of a respective one of the mounting frames, and has a leaf spring and a pair of pins. The leaf spring has a base and two legs.
Implementation Method 2
which, in response to loading or unloading on the retaining member, is brought into frictional engagement with the respective pin end at a first engaging end or a second engaging end
Data Source
AI summary
A modular bed includes a base frame unit and a plurality of support frame units. Each of the support frame units includes a leading bar, a trailing bar, four mounting frames, four biasing members, a left linkage, and a right linkage. In response to loading or unloading of a retaining member of each of the left and right linkages, a respective one of the biasing members abuts against a top abutment wall or a bottom abutment wall of a respective one of the mounting frames so as to generate a counteracting force to counteract the loading or unloading movement of the retaining member, thereby providing a cushioning effect for the retaining member.