Portable Bed Locking Disc Assembly for Convertible Bunk Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable bed assemblies are limited to single bed functionality and are difficult to transport, lacking the ability to easily convert into double-decker or two single bed configurations with secure locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A kit with carry bags containing pre-assembled heavy-duty disc and tubular frame components, including asymmetrically reinforced discs and extendable lock pins, allows for the assembly of a double-decker bed or two single beds, with flexible foot lockers and accessories for easy transport and secure locking of elongate supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable bed assembly is designed for single bed functionality, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bed assembly is designed with universal components that can function in multiple configurations. The same frame members, discs, and locking mechanisms are used whether assembled as a single bed or converted to a double-decker bed, allowing one set of components to serve multiple purposes and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed assembly is divided into separable modules including frame members, discs, locking mechanisms, and foot lockers that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the same components to be arranged in different configurations (single bed or double-decker) while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the bed assembly components are made heavy duty with reinforcing ribs, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcing ribs are strategically placed only in specific locations on the discs where structural strength is most needed, rather than uniformly across the entire component. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength while minimizing additional weight compared to uniform thickening of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly uses composite construction combining metal frame members with plastic or composite disc components. This allows the structure to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio by selecting materials that provide necessary strength while keeping overall weight manageable for portability.
3Reliability
If an extendable lock pin mechanism is used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through lever action. When the lever is moved to the locked position, the lock pin automatically extends into the locking hole through mechanical advantage, without requiring separate actuators or complex control systems. The user simply moves the lever, and the mechanism self-locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin serves as an intermediary element between the lever and the disc locking holes. It translates the rotational motion of the lever into linear extension motion, providing a simple mechanical mediation that achieves reliable locking without complex mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the foot lockers are made flexible for easy folding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot lockers utilize flexible material construction that allows the structure to bend and fold while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible material is designed with sufficient strength to support the intended load while enabling easy folding for storage and transport, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable bed assembly of a disc and an elongate support, and the disc has a body having a central hole having an axis, and the central hole being sized for slidably receiving the elongate support, with the disc body and the elongate support having a cooperable flexibly mounted retractably extendable lock pin and the disc body has two transversely disposed through holes for receiving the lock pin and locking the elongate support in the disc body and preventing rotational movement of the elongate support in the disc body.