Seat-to-Bed Conversion Mechanism with Lateral Squab Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Converting a seat into a bed in restricted spaces, such as caravans or boats, is a physically demanding and time-consuming process due to the need to manually turn and position large cushions, which also limits access and requires separate handling of backrest cushions.
Innovation Solution
A seat configuration that includes a squab with upper and lower cushions and a backrest, where a conversion mechanism allows the squab to laterally displace and the backrest to move into the vacated space, enabling automated conversion between seat and bed configurations, with the upper cushion covering the backrest in the bed configuration, and integrated bedding storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual conversion process is used to convert seat to bed, then the seat can be converted between configurations, but the process is physically demanding and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic conversion mechanism where the squab is laterally displaceable between seat and bed configurations. The conversion mechanism enables smooth transition through mechanical movement rather than manual handling, with the squab moving laterally to convert between configurations while the backrest moves into the vacated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cushion automatically covers the backrest during conversion through its movement relative to the lower cushion. The system performs self-service by having the cushions and backrest move together through the conversion mechanism, reducing the need for separate manual handling of each component.
2Ease of operation
If cushions are turned over for bed configuration, then the sleeping surface is provided, but the process is physically demanding and cushions are not flat
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of static cushion turning, the patent employs dynamic lateral displacement of the squab. The upper and lower cushions move together as an integrated unit during conversion, maintaining their relative positions while transitioning from seat to bed configuration, which eliminates the complexity of separate cushion handling and turning.
3Productivity
If backrest is handled separately during conversion, then the seat structure is maintained, but the conversion process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backrest movement with the squab lateral displacement through the conversion mechanism. The backrest is configured to move into the space vacated by the squab during lateral displacement, creating a coordinated single-action conversion process rather than separate handling of backrest and squab.
4Ease of operation
If bed is accessed from one end only, then the bed structure is simple, but putting bedding on the bed becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral displacement mechanism dynamically repositions the squab to create the bed configuration, which naturally provides access to the bed surface. This dynamic repositioning allows bedding to be easily arranged on the converted bed surface without requiring complex structural modifications for accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat 100 moveable between a seat configuration and a bed configuration, the seat 100 comprisinga squab 120 including upper and lower cushions 126, 124, a conversion mechanism configured to move the squab 120, for converting the seat 100 between the seat and bed configurations, anda backrest 122 connected to the squab 120 or conversion mechanism, for moving with the squab 120, the squab 120 being laterally displaceable by the conversion mechanism between a first position in the seat configuration and a second position in the bed configuration, and the backrest 122 being configured to occupy a space at an end of the squab 120 which is made available by lateral displacement of the squab 120 into the second position, and the upper cushion 126 of the squab 120 being movable relative to the lower cushion 124 for covering the backrest 122 in the bed configuration.