Sleeping Platform Lift Assembly With Gas Spring Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mobile living quarters like trailers and RVs, there is a need for flexible sleeping accommodations that can be stowed efficiently when not in use, as existing complex mechanisms often become entangled, jammed, or difficult to use, and require support on all four corners.
Innovation Solution
A lifting system with a vertical support rail, control arm, support beam, stabilizer arm, and gas spring that allows the lifting platform to move between raised and lowered positions with minimal complexity, using a combination of pivot axes and a gas spring to bias the platform upward, maintaining constant distances and requiring minimal force to operate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms with gears, chains, and cables are used to lift the sleeping platform, then the platform can be raised and lowered, but the mechanisms become entangled, jammed, and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is divided into independent lifting assemblies, each with its own support beam, control arm, and stabilizer arm. This segmentation allows each component to function independently without entanglement, eliminating the problems of complex interconnected mechanisms while maintaining lifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex intermediate components (gears, chains, cables) and directly connects the essential elements: support beam, control arm, and stabilizer arm. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the mechanism while preserving the core lifting function.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to support the sleeping platform, then lifting is possible, but the mechanisms require support on all four corners and are subject to becoming entangled and jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent lifting assemblies rather than a single complex mechanism spanning all four corners. Each assembly is self-contained with its own stabilizer arm and control arm, eliminating inter-component entanglement while maintaining platform stability through distributed support.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer arm acts as an intermediary component that connects the control arm to the support beam, providing a simple mechanical linkage that prevents jamming while maintaining reliability. This intermediate element simplifies the force transmission path compared to complex gear or cable systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sleeping space is transformed to living space, then flexibility is increased, but the mechanism for moving the platform becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unnecessary intermediate components from the lifting mechanism, leaving only the essential support beam, control arm, and stabilizer arm. This simplified mechanism is easy to operate manually, enabling users to easily transform the sleeping space to living space without complex controls.
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 system provides a flexible and safe means to stow sleeping accommodations efficiently, reducing the risk of entanglement and jamming, while allowing easy conversion between sleeping and living spaces without the need for complex support systems.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is pivotally connected to the control arm between the second pivot axis and the distal end of the control arm and the spring is pivotally connected to the stabilizer arm. The spring has a biasing force toward extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting system for lifting a lifting platform through use of a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly having a vertical support rail and a control arm that is pivotally connected to the vertical support rail about a first pivot axis. A support beam being connected to the lifting platform the support beam having an engaging member near its proximal end that engages the vertical support rail to provide translational movement of the support beam along the vertical support rail. The control arm having an engaging member engaging the support beam at a location spaced from the vertical support rail to provide translational movement of the engaging member with respect to the support beam. A stabilizer arm is pivotally connected to the control arm and pivotally near the proximal end of the support beam. Movement of the lifting platform causing translational movement of the engagement members.