Plastic Slat Support Bearing for Quiet Bed Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearers for spring slats in bed slatted frames are complex, expensive to produce, noisy, and contain multiple metal components, which complicates assembly and contributes to unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
A simplified bearing design using a plastic housing part with elastic lateral walls and a cover part, eliminating metal force accumulators and reducing components, featuring a vertical guide and locking bolts with guide washers for noiseless operation and easy assembly, comprising only two plastic injection-molded parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal coil springs and multiple components are used in the bearing, then the elastic force accumulation and support function are achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (housing, metal coil springs, cover part, guide elements) into an integrated plastic bearing structure. The elastic lateral walls of the housing part replace the traditional metal coil springs, and the guide mushroom is integrated into the cover part, reducing the total component count from seven to two main injection-molded parts while maintaining the elastic force accumulation function through the flexible plastic material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, specifically using flexible plastic material for the housing part that can elastically deform to accumulate and release force. This parameter change allows the housing part itself to provide the spring function that previously required separate metal coil springs, thereby reducing component complexity while maintaining the required mechanical function
2Strength
If multiple metal components and springs are used in the bearing, then the support and elastic function are achieved, but unwanted noises occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of metal coil springs and metal-to-metal contact components with a plastic-based system where the housing part itself provides elastic support through its flexible material properties. This substitution eliminates the clattering and rubbing noises associated with multiple metal components while maintaining the elastic support function through the plastic material's inherent flexibility and damping characteristics
3Strength
If traditional multi-component bearing design is used, then the elastic support function is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separately manufactured components into two main injection-molded parts (housing part and cover part), each produced as a complete assembly unit. The elastic lateral walls, guide structures, and mounting features are all integrated into these two parts during the molding process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the elastic support function
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 solution results in a cost-effective, noiseless, and easier-to-assemble bearing with reduced components, providing effective elastic force absorption and secure mounting without metal parts, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the lateral housing walls are at least partially elastic and have internal bolt receptacles for locking bolts of the cover part, so that the cover part is held by the bolt receptacles and is mounted vertically displaceably and rotatably in the housing part by means of the elastic housing walls
Implementation Method 2
The mushroom guide, which extends from the back of the cover plate of the cover part in the direction of the vertical guide of the housing part, has undercuts that engage in areas of the vertical guide so that it can be moved up and down and rotated about its horizontal central axis in the vertical guide
Implementation Method 3
there is a locking tab that extends into the latter and can be elastically moved back out of the vertical guide into the plane of the rear wall when the cover part is installed, so that the mushroom guide can be inserted into the vertical guide, whereupon the locking tab in the vertical guide pivots back and creates a movement limitation of the guide mushroom
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The support has a stationary housing part (1) with a vertical guide for positioning on a bed side beam. A rotatably supported cover part (2) is resilient against a restoring force and comprises a bearing pin (4). The housing part has a rear wall (9) with slots (11) provided at lateral housing walls (16). The walls are elastically designed and equipped with pin receptacles (12) for a locking pin (6)of the cover part, and intermediate walls (13) are provided in the housing part, where the device is made of plastic injection molded parts.