Pullout sleeper sofa with translatable support frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sofa-beds are uncomfortable due to insufficient rigidity in their bed frames, leading to backaches and unpleasant sleep experiences, and are complex, unstable, and difficult to use and clean, especially in large-scale settings like hotels and cruise lines.
Innovation Solution
A sleeper sofa with a translatable support frame featuring two pivoting sections that pivot about a single axis, allowing for easy transition between retracted and extended positions, facilitated by a guide plate and wheels, and a locking mechanism for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional spring systems are used to support the bed cushion, then the bed frame can be flexible and foldable, but the rigidity is insufficient leading to backache and unpleasant sleep experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the bed frame by replacing the conventional spring system with a rigid truss-like structure composed of interconnected support members. This structural parameter change provides sufficient rigidity to support the sleeper's weight properly, eliminating backache and improving sleep comfort while maintaining the foldable capability through the hinge connections between truss sections.
2Volume of moving object
If the bed frame is folded into the sofa base portion using numerous pivoting parts and accordion fashion, then the sofa-bed can be compact, but the structure becomes complex and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is segmented into multiple truss sections that can be independently folded and connected. Each truss section maintains structural integrity through its rigid triangular configuration, while the hinge connections between sections allow compact folding. This segmentation reduces overall complexity compared to conventional accordion folding while achieving compact storage within the sofa base.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed frame employs dynamic hinge connections that allow the truss sections to transition between extended and folded positions. These hinges provide controlled movement while maintaining stability in both extended and compact configurations, reducing the number of pivoting parts needed compared to conventional designs and improving overall structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bed frame consists of three separate support portions folded upon each other, then the bed can be tucked into the sofa base, but the structure becomes unstable and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the three separate support portions into an integrated truss structure where support members are interconnected to form rigid triangular units. This merging reduces the total number of separate components, decreases overall weight, and improves stability while maintaining the ability to fold into the sofa base. The unified truss design eliminates the need for multiple independent support portions while preserving configurability.
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 design provides a comfortable and stable sleeping surface, simplifies deployment and storage, reduces the complexity and weight of the bed frame, and makes cleaning easier by allowing smooth and user-friendly transitions between positions.
Implementation Method 1
a guide plate defining an arcuate guide slot, which communicates with a guide post connected to the second section of the bed frame. The guide post travels in the guide slot to lower and raise the second section of the bed frame as the bed frame moves between the retracted and extended positions.
Implementation Method 2
The bed frame includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section via a hinge. The bed frame may be configured to pivot about a single axis as the bed frame transitions between the extended and retracted positions.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a sleeper sofa including a sofa frame, a main support frame, and a bed frame engageable with the sofa frame and main support frame. The sofa frame includes first and second arm portions, and a backrest portion extending therebetween. The main support frame is connected to at least one of the first and second arm portions to fixedly connect the main support frame to the sofa frame. The bed frame includes a first section and a second section pivotally connected to the first section via a hinge. The sleeper sofa further includes a guide plate defining an arcuate guide slot, which communicates with a guide post connected to the second section of the bed frame. The guide post travels in the guide slot to lower and raise the second section of the bed frame as the bed frame moves between the retracted and extended positions.