Solid Deck Bed Frame for Convertible Sofas to Reduce Hammocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable bed frames in convertible sofas suffer from sagging and hammocking issues, leading to discomfort and uneven support, as the sleeping surface fatigues over time, causing sleepers to shift towards the center.

Innovation Solution

A bed frame design featuring a solid deck structure with a pair of side rails and a bottom rail, incorporating multiple solid support decks that are convex to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging, coupled with customizable mattresses for improved comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a fabric sleeping surface coupled with springs is used, then the bed frame is flexible and comfortable initially, but the sleeping surface sags and hammocks over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport surface durabilityVSAvoidsleeping surface flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the support structure from a flexible spring-based system to a rigid solid deck system. This parameter change eliminates the hammocking effect by providing a stable, non-flexible support surface that maintains its structural integrity and flatness over time, directly addressing the durability and stability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If traverse support members are added to reduce hammocking, then support is improved, but the members become more pronounced and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeping surface stabilityVSAvoidsleeping comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function into the fundamental structure of the bed frame itself by incorporating a solid deck as an integral component. This eliminates the need for separate traverse support members, providing stable support without the discomfort of pronounced individual support elements protruding through the sleeping surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid deck provides uniform distribution of support across the entire sleeping surface area, rather than concentrated support at discrete traverse member locations. This creates a smooth, continuous support quality that eliminates the localized pressure points and discomfort associated with traditional traverse members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a solid deck is coupled to the torso frame, then hammocking is reduced and comfort is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesleeping comfortVSAvoidbed frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bed frame into distinct functional components: a frame structure and a separate solid deck. This segmentation allows the deck to be independently manufactured and then coupled to the frame, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while still providing the comfort benefits of a solid support surface without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11793316B1Sleeper sofa with a solid support deck

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 HICKORY SPRINGS MFG

AI summary

A bed frame having a solid deck for a convertible sofa is provided. The bed frame comprises a pair of side rails and a bottom rail. The bed frame comprises at least a torso frame and a foot frame where the foot frame folds and unfolds with the torso frame to place the convertible sofa in the sofa configuration (folds) or the sleeping configuration (unfolds). The bed frame has at least one solid deck coupled to the torso frame of the bed frame.