Suitcase Integrated Support Mechanism for Bed Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel accessories, such as suitcases, fail to provide a comfortable and convenient means to convert into a bed or chaise lounge without compromising storage space or requiring removal of stored items, and often lack adequate support for a person's body in a lying position.
Innovation Solution
A suitcase design with integrated support mechanisms that can be extended to form a platform suitable for use as a bed or chaise lounge, featuring support regions for the upper, mid, and lower sections of the body, and can be transformed from an extended state to a stored state without interfering with the storage space, using frames with elongated legs and compliant bodies that roll or fold for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foldable portions are integrated into the suitcase to provide a support surface, then the ability to convert into a bed is improved, but the storage space is blocked when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface extends laterally beyond the suitcase boundaries in the horizontal plane, utilizing space in a different dimension rather than blocking the vertical storage compartment. This allows the bed function to be achieved without interfering with the storage volume above.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is divided into separate components including lateral support members that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the support structure to be configured without requiring the entire storage space to be clear, as each segment can be positioned independently.
2Ease of operation
If the support surface is extended to provide full body support, then comfort is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suitcase base panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the storage container bottom and a support surface for the bed. The lateral support members also serve dual purposes of structural reinforcement and bed support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is merged with the suitcase structure itself, where the base panel and side panels form integral parts of both the storage container and the bed framework. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures.
3Strength
If the support mechanism is made rigid to provide proper body support, then support quality is improved, but the ease of storage and transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism transitions between static and dynamic states. During storage, the lateral support members are collapsed or folded, making the structure compact and easy to store. During use, the same members are extended and locked into position to provide rigid support for the body.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus that includes a suitcase and integrated support arrangements that are transformable from an extended state to provide support for a person to lie down and a stored state for ease of transport.