Retainer bar assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid retainer bars in adjustable bed assemblies hinder the manipulation of mattresses, making it difficult to rotate or change sheets, as they secure the mattress but prevent easy movement.
Innovation Solution
A retainer bar assembly with brackets having channels that allow the retainer bar to be moved upward and rotated away from the adjustable base, featuring a horizontal rod with legs and caps to secure the bar to the base, enabling easy manipulation of the mattress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid retainer bar is used to secure the mattress to the adjustable base, then the mattress remains firmly held in position during articulation, but the mattress cannot be easily manipulated for rotation or sheet changes
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bar is designed with movable connections to the adjustable base through brackets with channels. The bar can transition between a lowered position (secured to base) and a raised position (manipulated freely), allowing the system to dynamically adapt between securing and manipulation states
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer bar assembly is divided into separable components: the horizontal bar, vertical legs, and bracket mounts. This segmentation allows the bar to be independently moved relative to the base while maintaining the securement function when needed
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid retainer bar is used to prevent the mattress from sliding off during articulation, then the mattress remains stable, but the retainer bar prevents easy access to rotate the mattress or change sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bar system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the bar can be raised and lowered. During normal use, the bar provides stable securement; during maintenance operations, the bar is raised to allow free manipulation of the mattress
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer bar is raised to a higher position before mattress manipulation operations begin, preparing the system in advance to allow easy access for rotation and sheet changing without interference
Data Source
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AI summary
Retainer bar assemblies are provided for use is an adjustable base of a support cushion. The retainer bar assemblies include a retainer bar having a horizontal rod and two legs connected to the horizontal rod with an end portion that extends from each leg in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal rod. The retainer bar assemblies further include a pair of brackets where each bracket defines at least one channel for receiving the end portion of the two legs. Each channel has a vertical segment and an angled segment such that each channel is configured to allow the horizontal rod to be moved upward and rotated away from each bracket. Adjustable support cushions or bed assemblies that include the retainer bar assemblies are also provided.