Pull-Down Bed Locking Structure Using Self-Actuating Feet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pull down beds fail to simultaneously provide a strong, reliable, compact, easy-to-operate, and aesthetically pleasing design with effective automatic locking in both vertical and horizontal positions, while also being economically viable and easy to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A pull down bed with an automatic locking device featuring a movable mattress frame hinged to a container body, utilizing self-locking feet and pins actuated by a gas spring system and transmission cable, allowing for easy conversion between positions without visible fasteners, and using folded sheet metal for a compact and aesthetically clean design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to ensure reliability in both vertical and horizontal positions, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function for both vertical and horizontal positions into a single integrated locking device that operates automatically. The locking mechanism is merged with the frame structure itself, using the longitudinal members as both structural supports and locking elements. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms for each position, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to operate automatically without requiring manual intervention. When the frame transitions between vertical and horizontal positions, the locking mechanism self-activates through the movement of the longitudinal members and feet. The system uses its own operational movements to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
2Volume of moving object
If the structure is made compact to save space, then the volume occupied is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The feet of the frame serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable the frame to rest on the ground in horizontal position, and act as the actuation mechanism for the locking device. By making the feet multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate handles or actuators that would occupy additional space, thereby maintaining compactness while ensuring ease of operation through the multi-purpose use of existing components.
3Strength
If visible fasteners and complex structures are used to ensure strength and reliability, then the structural strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged into the longitudinal members of the frame, which are structural components anyway. The feet and locking elements are integrated into the overall frame structure rather than being added as separate visible fixtures. This integration allows the structural elements to serve dual purposes: providing strength and reliability while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic without visible fasteners or complex external mechanisms.
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 ensures safe, reliable, and easy operation of the bed in both positions, with automatic locking preventing sudden movements and allowing for soft descent, while maintaining a compact footprint and aesthetic cleanliness, and facilitating easy assembly and use.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing self-locking feet and pins actuated by a gas spring system
Implementation Method 2
movable framework, which constitutes a mattress frame, and is hinged to a container body
Implementation Method 3
The mattress frame is hinged to said piece of furniture at one end and has said feet at the other end
Data Source
AI summary
A pull down bed with automatic locking device has a movable framework, which constitutes a mattress frame, and is hinged to a container body, which constitutes a piece of furniture, so as to define a closed position, in which said mattress frame is substantially inside the piece of furniture, and an open position, for use as a bed, in which the mattress frame is in a horizontal position and rests on the ground by means of two feet. The mattress frame is hinged to the piece of furniture at one end and has its feet at the other end. The pull down bed includes a device for locking said mattress frame in the closed or horizontal position, which is actuated by an actuation device, which includes the feet.