Support device adjustable by an electric motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices adjustable by electric motors for furniture, such as slatted frames, lack simplicity, robustness, and the ability to apply high adjustment forces, especially when supporting heavy loads like a person resting on the upholstery.
Innovation Solution
The support device incorporates a drive unit with a drive train connected to a translationally movable adjustment element, which interacts with a wedge-like guide element to pivot the support part relative to the base part, allowing for high adjustment forces and robust construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spindle drive with coupling lever is used for adjustment, then the support part can be adjusted, but the device becomes complex and cannot apply high adjustment forces
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a linearly movable adjustment element and a wedge-like guide element. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (linear motion conversion to pivoting motion) while maintaining overall system simplicity and robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex coupling lever mechanism to convert rotational spindle motion to pivoting motion, the patent inverts the approach by using a wedge-like guide element that directly converts linear adjustment element motion into pivoting motion of the support part. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while increasing adjustment force capability.
2Strength
If a robust construction is used to apply high adjustment forces, then heavy loads can be supported, but the device construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of force transmission from the complex coupling lever mechanism and implements it through a simplified wedge-like guide element. This extraction maintains the load-bearing capacity while reducing construction complexity by removing unnecessary intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-like guide element introduces a dimensional transformation, converting linear motion along one axis into rotational pivoting motion. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve both robustness for heavy loads and simplicity in construction through geometric conversion rather than complex mechanical linkages.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple construction is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot apply high adjustment forces for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a wedge-like guide element instead of a complex coupling mechanism. This inversion achieves the dual goal of manufacturing simplicity and high adjustment force capability through direct geometric conversion of motion, eliminating the need for multiple precision-machined intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the wedge geometry to convert linear motion into pivoting motion, the patent achieves a simple construction that can handle heavy loads. The dimensional transformation through the wedge shape provides mechanical advantage, enabling high adjustment forces with a straightforward, easy-to-manufacture design.
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 solution provides a simple, robust, and effective support device capable of applying high adjustment forces, suitable for supporting heavy loads and improving the adjustability of furniture like bed slatted frames.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wedge-like acting guide element is arranged on at least one of the parts, which guide element is shaped in such a way and is in or can be brought into operative connection with the adjustment element in such a way that the support part is pivoted about the pivot axis relative to the base part during a relative movement between the adjustment element and the guide element
Data Source
AI summary
A support device adjustable by an electric motor for supporting a mattress of a bed. The support device is flat and supports the mattress on the bed. The support device has a base part and a support part which is connected to the base part, so as to be pivotable about a support part pivot axis. There is an electric motor drive unit which is in operative connection with the base part and the support part for the pivoting adjustment of the support part relative to the base part. A stand-up lever arrangement is arranged in a drive train between the drive unit and the support part.