Split Bed Connector and Drive Assembly for Stable Modular Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beds lack the ability to be easily movable by one person, compactable for shipping, and stable under vertical loading, with limited accommodation for accessory devices and inefficient assembly and disassembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A split bed design with joinable sections using a connector system that allows for six points of contact, a pivoting drive assembly, and slotted tabs for accessory devices, enabling easy assembly, disassembly, and compactability to a low shipping height, along with a screw drive mechanism for stability and adjustable height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bed is designed as a single solid unit, then structural stability is improved, but ease of transport and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed is divided into multiple modular sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each section contains integrated components including drive assemblies, longitudinal supports, and cross members, allowing the bed to be transported in manageable parts while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The bed sections are designed to nest within each other during storage and transport, with cross members and longitudinal supports configured to fit within the footprint of the bed deck, significantly reducing shipping volume while maintaining full functionality when assembled
2Ease of operation
If the bed is designed as modular sections, then ease of transport is improved, but stability under vertical loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection points are provided between bed sections, including at least six contact points per joint, combining multiple fastening mechanisms (pins, slots, and fasteners) to distribute vertical loads across several locations, ensuring stability equivalent to solid construction while maintaining modular transportability
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessory devices are added to the bed, then functionality is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bed deck incorporates universal slotted tabs that can accommodate multiple types of accessory devices through a single standardized interface. The slots accept various pin configurations, allowing different accessories (wheelchairs, mattresses, storage devices) to be attached to the same structural elements without adding complexity to the base design
4Manufacturing precision
If the drive assembly is made as one piece, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is segmented into a motor portion and a transmission portion that can be separately manufactured with high precision, then assembled together using standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently while maintaining overall precision through controlled assembly tolerances
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a split bed with improved characteristics, and in particular to a split bed with joinable sections including a connector used to join two pieces of a drive assembly, that has tab and slots to accommodate accessory devices and that is easily movable by one person. In one embodiment, the bed has a deck with several slotted tabs for receiving accessory devices. Two joinable sections are provided. The sections can be joined with six points of contact. A two part drive assembly is also provided. A pivotal connector is provided for joining the two parts of the drive assembly. The drive assembly moves cross members relative, and preferably within, longitudinal support members. In this regard, movement of the cross members causes the bed to selectably raise or lower. The bed is compactable to a very low height for shipping.