Folding mechanism of sofa bed and sofa bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sofa beds face issues such as difficult transitions between sofa and bed configurations, instability in sofa configuration, shifting cushions and elastic layers, inadequate base support, and unsound mounting methods, making them inconvenient for users with limited strength and failing to meet diverse user needs.

Innovation Solution

A folding mechanism for sofa beds featuring a left and right armrest connected via folding hinges, a bed frame with locking mechanisms, and a stable bed board structure that includes a ratchet and pawl system for multi-position adjustment, ensuring smooth transitions and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple folding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and reliability of the sofa bed configuration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding mechanism structureVSAvoidsofa configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bed frame is divided into a first bed frame and a second bed frame that can be independently positioned and locked. This segmentation allows each frame to be stabilized separately, maintaining overall stability while enabling a simpler folding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism enables dynamic positioning of the second bed frame relative to the first bed frame, allowing the system to transition between stable configurations (sofa mode with 180° angle and bed mode with acute angle) while maintaining reliability in each state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed rigid structure is used, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation for users with limited strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesofa configuration stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration transition difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the second bed frame to be easily positioned and locked at different angles. The locking mechanism provides stable fixation once positioned, while the transition process remains easy to operate through simple locking and unlocking actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid frame structures, enabling easy operation by providing a simple lock/unlock interface while maintaining the stability of the rigid frame components during both sofa and bed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If cushions and elastic layers are loosely positioned, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability and comfort deteriorate due to shifting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushion assembly installationVSAvoidcushion position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion assembly is pre-assembled with the elastic layer and positioning structures before installation onto the frame. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and prevents shifting during use, while still maintaining ease of manufacture through modular pre-assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mechanism enables convenient and stable conversion between sofa and bed configurations, preventing cushion and elastic layer shifting, and providing robust support, enhancing user experience and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The folding hinge comprises a first supporting arm and a second supporting arm, and a first end of the first supporting arm and a first end of the second supporting arm is pivotally connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The locking mechanism comprises a ratchet disposed on one of the first supporting arm or the second supporting arm and a pawl disposed on the other one of the first supporting arm or the second supporting arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS20250311852A1Folding mechanism of sofa bed and sofa bed
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 LENG LUHAO
  • US20250311852A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311852A1 patent drawing
  • US20250311852A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A folding mechanism of a sofa bed includes a left armrest, a right armrest, a bed frame, and a locking mechanism. The bed frame includes a first bed frame and a second bed frame. The first bed frame is fixedly connected to the left armrest and the right armrest. The second bed frame is rotatably connected to the left armrest and the right armrest. The left armrest and the right armrest are rotatably connected to the second bed frame through folding hinges. The folding hinge includes a first supporting arm and a second supporting arm which are pivotally connected to each other. The first supporting arm is fixedly connected to the left armrest or the right armrest, and the second supporting arm is fixedly connected to the second bed frame. The locking mechanism locks the first bed frame and the second bed frame in one or more relative positions.