Modular Link-Lift Bed Frame for Compact Assembly and Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed apparatuses with X-link lifting mechanisms are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to convey, assemble, and disassemble, and require high-capacity actuators to handle the weight, which is a challenge for home-use and nursing beds that need to be lightweight and compact.
Innovation Solution
A bed apparatus with link-type lifting mechanisms arranged under the upper frame on both head and foot sides, connected by a connection frame, allowing individual or cooperative control of raising/lowering operations, and utilizing a configuration where one end of the raising/lowering link is pivotally coupled to the upper frame and the other end contacts the bed floor section to push it up, reducing the need for continuous actuator-driven linkage during lowering operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a framework structure is used to support the lifting frame with X-linkages, then the lifting frame can be supported stably, but the weight of the moving parts increases and the structure becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is divided into separate modular components: the lifting frame, the X-linkage assembly, and the actuator module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining stability through precise geometric design of the linkage elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The X-linkage mechanism transforms the static framework structure into a dynamic system where the linkage arms rotate and reconfigure during lifting operations. This dynamic configuration allows the mechanism to support varying loads efficiently without requiring a heavy static framework, as the structural support is provided temporarily during each phase of motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a framework structure with X-linkages is used, then the lifting frame can be supported, but the structure becomes large and cumbersome for conveyance and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The X-linkage arms are designed to nest within each other when retracted, and the entire linkage assembly can be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage and transport. The modular design allows components to be nested or stacked, significantly reducing the volume required for conveyance while maintaining full structural capability during operation.
3Force
If high-capacity actuators are used to handle the weight, then the lifting capability is sufficient, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The X-linkage mechanism utilizes curved trajectories and rotational motion to convert the actuator's linear or rotational force into efficient lifting motion. The geometric configuration of the linkage provides mechanical advantage throughout the range of motion, allowing a smaller actuator to generate sufficient lifting force through optimal force vector distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a direct-drive heavy-duty actuator system with a linkage-based mechanical advantage system. Instead of using a large actuator to directly lift the weight, the X-linkage mechanism multiplies the force output of a smaller actuator through its geometric configuration, reducing actuator specifications and overall system complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the raising/lowering link is continuously actuated, then the bed floor section can be moved precisely, but the risk of equipment damage increases during lowering operations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates in periodic cycles: activating during raising operations to provide precise positioning, and deactivating during lowering operations to allow controlled descent. This intermittent operation pattern reduces wear and stress on the actuator and linkage components, minimizing the risk of equipment damage while maintaining positioning precision when the actuator is engaged.
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
This configuration distributes weight evenly, making the bed apparatus lightweight and compact, easy to convey and assemble, and allows for efficient posture adjustments without straining the user, improving work efficiency and maintenance performance while minimizing the risk of equipment damage during lowering operations.
Implementation Method 1
link type lifting mechanisms for moving up and down the upper frame (2)
Implementation Method 2
one end of the raising/lowering link is pivotally coupled with the upper frame side
Implementation Method 3
the other end comes into and out of contact with the bed floor section while the driving means makes the other end abut the bed floor section and urge the bed floor section in the pushing-up direction
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a bed apparatus in which the user's posture can be easily adjusted, which can be divided into lightweight and compact sections and is easy to convey, assembly and disassemble, and has improved work efficiency and maintenance performance. The bed apparatus includes: an upper frame including a back-raising mechanism and a knee-raising mechanism; and link type lifting mechanisms for moving up and down the upper frame, and is constructed such that the link type lifting mechanisms are arranged under the upper frame on the head side and on the foot side, respectively, a connection frame that integrally joins the link type lifting mechanisms to one another, is arranged between the head-side link type lifting mechanism and the foot-side link type lifting mechanism, and the operations of the back-raising mechanism and knee-raising mechanism, the head-side link type lifting mechanisms can be controlled individually or in cooperation.