Rotatable Connector Design for Tool-Free Collapsible Bed Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible bed frames are not user-friendly due to the complexity and time required for assembly and disassembly, often necessitating tools and risking lost components during storage.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bed frame design featuring interconnected frame units and inner lateral bars with rotatable connectors that allow for expansion and contraction within a single plane, eliminating the need for disassembly and tools, and incorporating limiting pieces to prevent over-rotation, thus simplifying use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors (screws, bolts) are used to assemble bed frame components, then the bed frame can be assembled and disassembled, but the process requires tools and takes significant time and energy
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a dynamic lever mechanism that can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The lever can be manually moved to engage or disengage connections without tools, enabling quick transformation between assembled and disassembled states while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a body portion that connects to frame members, and a movable lever portion that controls engagement. This segmentation allows the connection state to be changed by moving only the lever, rather than manipulating multiple fastening elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional screws and bolts are used for assembly, then the bed frame can be taken apart, but the connectors and parts must be stored carefully to prevent loss
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates the connection function and the retention function into a single component. The lever itself serves as both the fastening mechanism and the retained part, eliminating separate screws and bolts that could be lost. When the lever is in the engaged position, it securely holds the connection; when disengaged, the entire connector remains attached to the frame member.
3Volume of moving object
If the bed frame is designed to fold for storage, then space is reduced, but the structure must be disassembled and reassembled each time
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic lever connector enables the bed frame to transition between expanded and collapsed states without permanent disassembly. The lever provides a quick-release mechanism that allows frame members to be repositioned for folding while maintaining connected status, reducing storage volume without the labor of complete disassembly.
4Ease of operation
If manual assembly without tools is desired, then ease of operation improves, but reliable connection and structural stability become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that allows manual engagement of strong connections. When the lever is moved to the engaged position, it creates a locked state with sufficient friction and geometric interlocking to maintain strong connections under load, while still allowing easy manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates curved surfaces and rounded edges that facilitate manual manipulation and engagement. The lever's shape is optimized for hand operation, allowing users to easily grasp and move it into the locked position without tools, while the curved contact surfaces distribute forces to maintain strong connections.
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 enables easy conversion between expanded and contracted states without tools, reducing assembly time, minimizing storage space, and ensuring stability and safety by maintaining structural integrity during use and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The second piece is rotatably connected with the first extension of the first piece, and the third piece is rotatably connected with the second extension of the first piece
Implementation Method 2
each of the two first connectors further includes a limiting piece disposed at an exterior side of the affixing piece with respect to the first or second end of the inner lateral bar unit, wherein the limiting piece prevents the first and second frame units from rotating beyond the expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are connectors and collapsible bed frames. A collapsible bed frame includes first and second frame units disposed side by side. Each of the first and second frame units comprises a plurality of bar units with adjacent bar units rotatably connected with each other. A collapsible bed frame also includes an inner lateral bar unit disposed between the first and second frame units, and rotatably connected with the first and second frame units. During contraction and expansion, the first frame unit, the second frame unit and the inner lateral bar unit remain substantially on a first plane defined by a top surface of the collapsible bed frame when it is expanded.