Modular High-Low Bed with Selectable Platform and Head-Foot Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable beds are costly and inefficient for patients who progress in infirmity, as they require transitioning to a high-low bed with head-foot adjustability, necessitating the purchase of a fully functional bed, rather than incremental upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A modular bed system comprising a high-low adjustable frame and selectably attachable platform and head-foot module, allowing for easy assembly and incremental functionality upgrades, with a frame that includes a lift mechanism and a hinge assembly for height adjustment, and a head-foot module with a locking mechanism for compact shipping and easy attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a patient purchases a fully functional high-low adjustable bed with head-foot adjustability, then the patient gains access to advanced bed features for pain relief and comfort, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bed system is divided into separate modular components: a base high-low adjustable frame and a detachable head-foot adjustable module. Patients can purchase just the frame initially and add the head-foot module later when needed, paying only for the functionality they currently require rather than buying a complete high-end bed upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed system allows dynamic upgrading of functionality over time. The head-foot adjustable module can be attached to or detached from the base frame, enabling patients to adapt the bed's capabilities to their changing medical needs without replacing the entire bed system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fully functional adjustable bed is designed with all features integrated, then the bed provides complete functionality for patients with varying infirmity levels, but the shipping cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is shipped as separate modular components - the base frame and the head-foot adjustable module are manufactured and transported independently. This segmentation reduces shipping complexity and allows for easier assembly at the destination while maintaining the option to combine features later.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fully functional adjustable bed is designed with all features integrated, then the bed provides complete functionality for patients with varying infirmity levels, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows the bed to be assembled in stages. The base frame can be assembled and used independently with a simple platform, and the complex head-foot adjustable module can be attached later. This reduces the initial assembly complexity while preserving full functionality options.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface or mounting mechanism serves as an intermediary between the base frame and the head-foot module, simplifying the attachment process. This intermediary connection system enables easy assembly and disassembly without requiring complex tools or procedures.
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 design reduces shipping costs and allows patients to upgrade functionality as needed, maintaining aesthetics and comfort while providing cost-effective access to advanced bed features, enabling patients to use the bed throughout their health deterioration without purchasing a full-featured bed initially.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge assembly can comprise two pairs of hinged cross bars on opposite lateral sides of the frame and connected together at a pivot point. Each end of the two pairs of hinged cross bars can be connected to a slide combined to the respective top section and the bottom section so that when the two pairs of hinged cross bars pivot at the pivot point the respective ends move linearly toward each other to raise the top section with respect to the bottom section
Implementation Method 2
The lift mechanism can comprises of a hinge assembly that raises the top section linearly upward with respect to the bottom section
Data Source
AI summary
A frame and a selectably attachable platform and a selectably attachable head-foot module where only one of the selectably attachable platform and the selectably attachable head-foot module is combined to the frame at a time.