Retrofit kit for retrofitting a supporting device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for seating and lying furniture, such as mattresses, often lack the ability to be adjusted electrically, limiting user comfort and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A retrofit kit is provided that includes an auxiliary frame with pivoting frame parts connected via a Bowden cable system, allowing for electromotive adjustment by inserting it between the support device and upholstery, enabling adjustment of the mattress without increasing the overall height significantly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an electromotive adjustment device is integrated into the support device, then electrical adjustability is achieved, but the overall height increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical adjustabilityVSAvoidoverall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is nested within the hollow longitudinal beam of the base body. The drive motor, transmission elements, and adjustment mechanism are all accommodated inside the hollow profile structure, allowing the device to achieve electrical adjustability without increasing the overall height beyond the existing base body dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the hollow internal space of the longitudinal beam in the vertical dimension to accommodate the adjustment mechanism. By placing components within the existing hollow profile rather than adding external components, the solution achieves automation functionality without increasing the external height envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If a hollow profile base body is used to accommodate the drive, then the overall height is reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall heightVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The base body is constructed as a composite structure combining the hollow profile framework with integrated drive components. The hollow longitudinal beams provide structural support while accommodating the motor and transmission elements within, creating a composite system that maintains strength while minimizing height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is segmented into multiple hollow longitudinal beams that can independently support different components. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength through distributed support while the hollow interiors provide space for the adjustment mechanism without increasing overall height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3009052B1Retrofit kit for retrofitting a supporting device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 DE WERTH GRP
  • EP3009052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3009052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3009052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A retrofit kit for an electromotive adjustment device for a support device for supporting an upholstery of a piece of seating and/or lying furniture, in particular a mattress of a bed, has an auxiliary frame 100 that can be inserted between the support device and the upholstery and has a base body with at least two under the tensile effect of one Pull cable 132 of a Bowden cable has frame parts 104, 106 which can be pivoted relative to one another.