Reversible spring assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring assemblies in bed frames require detachment and repositioning to adjust height, which is a manually intensive and frustrating process, as they typically have only one usable side to support a mattress.
Innovation Solution
A reversible spring assembly that can be inverted from a first position to a second without detaching from the bed frame, featuring top and bottom springs of uniform size within a frame with rigid support bars, allowing for adjustment without manual repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring assemblies are used with only one usable side, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must detach and reposition the assembly to adjust height
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly is designed with symmetric top and bottom springs that are mirror images of each other, allowing the assembly to be inverted and used in either orientation. This inversion principle enables the user to adjust height by simply flipping the assembly over rather than detaching and repositioning it, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is divided into distinct top springs and bottom springs that can function independently. Each set of springs is designed to bear load when positioned on the top side, and the rigid support bars are segmented to allow the assembly to be inverted. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spring assembly is designed with uniform top and bottom springs for reversibility, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall assembly is designed for reversibility, the top springs and bottom springs have different local qualities - they are mirror images with opposite orientations. The top springs are configured to support load from above, while the bottom springs are configured to support load from below. This local differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production of mirror-image components.
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible spring assembly is coupled to a bed frame and capable of being inverted from a first position to a second position without detaching the assembly from the bed frame. In one embodiment, the spring assembly includes top and bottom springs arranged in rows within a frame with one or more rigid support bars disposed between the rows of springs. If the user wishes to adjust the position of the assembly in the bed frame (e.g., to create a loft-style configuration), the user need only invert the bed such that the assembly previously positioned at in a right-side-up position at the bottom of the frame is positioned in an inverted position at the top of the frame.