Sofa Bed Hinge Mechanism for Smooth Configuration Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sofa beds face challenges such as difficult and non-smooth switching between sofa and bed configurations, instability in the sofa state, and limited flexibility in folding modes, which do not meet user demands for ease of use and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The sofa bed design includes a hinge mechanism with three sections at the connection between the backrest and seat portions, a supporting pipe in the bottom structure for stability in both configurations, and detachable elastic modules that can be easily mounted for enhanced comfort. The main body frame is foldable, allowing the elastic modules to be securely mounted and preventing disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional sofa bed structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the switching between sofa and bed configurations is difficult and not smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into three sections that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the backrest and seat to transition smoothly between configurations. This segmentation enables independent movement of each section, making the switching operation easier and more controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates dynamic rotation capabilities with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the sofa bed to transition dynamically between sofa and bed states. The pin sliding in the sliding groove provides continuous motion control rather than fixed rigid connections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional sofa bed structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the stability in sofa state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting pipe is integrated into the bottom supporting structure, combining support functions for both sofa and bed configurations into a single structural element. This merging provides stability in the sofa state while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting pipe acts as an intermediary element between the bottom supporting structure and the main body frame, providing additional stability in the sofa state without requiring complex additional components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the main body frame is made foldable for elastic module mounting, then the ease of mounting elastic modules is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main body frame is divided into foldable sections that can be opened to access the slideway for elastic module mounting. This segmentation allows easy access for mounting while maintaining a relatively simple overall frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The slideway is pre-formed within the main body frame structure, and the frame is designed to fold open at specific locations to expose the slideway. This preliminary preparation of the mounting path simplifies the elastic module installation process.
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
This design enables smooth and easy switching between sofa and bed configurations, improves stability and comfort through the use of elastic modules, and allows for flexible storage and transportation by detaching and folding components.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic modules each comprising a conical spring and a spring bracket that accommodates and holds the conical spring
Data Source
AI summary
A sofa bed has a seat portion, a backrest portion and a hinge mechanism including a first section, a second section and a third section sequentially and pivotably connected. The first section is fixed to a side of the seat portion. The second section is fixed to a side of the backrest portion. A protruding portion is provided at a position where the first section is connected with the second section. Each of the armrest frames is formed with a slideway for receiving and guiding the protruding portion. An end of the third section opposite to the second section is pivotally connected to the armrest. The first section and the second section are be lockable to place the main body frame into a sofa configuration. The sofa bed can be easily switched between sofa and bed positions.