Modular Bunk Frame with Integrated Functional Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bunk frames for commercial vehicle driver's cabs require a large number of components and are not easily adaptable to different vehicle models, necessitating a complex and costly design for secure fixation and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A bunk frame constructed from individual frame parts that can be connected using a plug-in connection system, where extruded profiles form longitudinal parts without functional elements and die-cast components form side parts with integrated functional elements, allowing for flexible adaptation to various cab conditions with fewer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part frame structure with separate connecting pieces is used, then adaptability to different driver's cab conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to the large number of components required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different driver's cab conditionsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into longitudinal frame parts and frame side parts that can be connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows the bunk frame to be adapted to various driver's cab conditions while maintaining a manageable number of components through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame side parts are designed as universal components that can be integrated into different longitudinal frame part configurations. These multi-functional frame side parts serve both structural and functional purposes, reducing the need for multiple specialized components for different vehicle models.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If functional elements are integrated into frame side parts using casting process, then ease of manufacture is improved for those specific parts, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacture of frame side partsVSAvoidintegration of functional elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Functional elements are merged directly into the frame side parts through the casting process. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and fasteners for these functional elements, simplifying manufacturing while the modular frame structure maintains overall system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The casting process is applied specifically to frame side parts that require integrated functional elements, while other frame parts can be manufactured using simpler methods. This localized application of manufacturing complexity optimizes both ease of manufacture for critical components and overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2022708B1Bed frame for a bed of a utility vehicle driver cab
Publication Date: 2013.09.11 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2022708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2022708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2022708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sleeping couch framework (2) is formed from multipart frame part (5,6,7,8) individually connected with each other. The number of frame part has number of functional elements (10). The rectangular framework has two framework longitudinal part and framework side part as front part, where functional elements are formed.