Convertible Sofa-Bed Frame With Rigid Sliding Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art sofa-beds are uncomfortable to sleep in due to insufficient rigidity in their bed frames and are complex, unstable, and difficult to manufacture, making them heavy and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A convertible sofa-bed design that allows easy conversion between sofa and bed configurations, featuring a buttock-foot member that slides between retracted and extended positions, with a foldable section comprising a head rest member and back rest member that can be locked in place, providing firm support through hard flat members or wood slats, and utilizing wheels and springs for easy conversion and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bed frame uses a spring system to support the bed cushion, then the sofa-bed can be converted between sofa and bed configurations, but the springs are not sufficiently rigid to support a person laying down, causing backache or unpleasant sleep experience
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is divided into multiple rigid support portions (first, second, and third support portions) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each support portion provides structural rigidity, and together they form a stable platform for the bed cushion, eliminating the need for weak spring systems while maintaining conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are designed to be movable during conversion and fixed during use. The rotatable connections allow the support portions to be repositioned between sofa and bed configurations, while locking mechanisms maintain their position during sleeping, providing both adaptability and structural rigidity.
2Volume of moving object
If the bed frame is folded into the sofa base portion with numerous rotating parts and accordion-style folding, then the sofa-bed can be compactly stored, but the bed frame becomes complex, unstable, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support portions are merged into a single integrated bed frame structure that moves as one unit during conversion. The support portions are connected through rotatable connections that allow coordinated movement, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support during sleeping, act as the bed frame during conversion, and can be positioned in different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining compact storage capability.
3Volume of moving object
If the bed frame consists of three separate support portions folded in accordion fashion, then the bed can be tucked into the sofa base portion, but the numerous rotating parts add to instability and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are pre-positioned and locked into place before use. The locking mechanisms engage in advance to secure the support portions, ensuring stability is established before the user needs to sleep. This preliminary securing action prevents instability during the sleeping period.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and secure the support portions when the bed frame is extended to the bed position. The structure itself provides its own stabilization through the interlocking of support portions, eliminating the need for additional external stabilization components.
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 provides a comfortable and stable sleeping experience with firm support, simplifies the conversion process between sofa and bed configurations, and reduces manufacturing complexity, resulting in a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing product.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member may be attached to an underside of the buttock-foot member and to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible sofa-bed which is easy to convert between a sofa configuration and a bed configuration is provided. From a sofa configuration, a buttock-foot member may be pulled outward. Simultaneously, a head rest member and back rest member which are initially at a generally vertical position are traversed to a generally horizontal position. When the buttock-foot member is fully traversed outward (i.e., extended position), the head rest member, back rest member and the buttock-foot member are generally substantially coplanar and generally horizontal. This provides a firm bed. From the bed configuration, head rest member and the back rest member may be buckled to allow the buttock-foot member to be pushed inward. The buttock-foot member is then pushed fully inward (i.e., retracted position) until the head rest member and the back rest member are in the generally vertical position with the buttock-foot member and back rest member forming a seat.