Motor-Adjustable Support Frame with Quick-Release Sync Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor-adjustable support devices for furniture upholstery, such as bed mattresses, are complex to assemble and maintain due to intricate mechanical connections that require precise alignment and synchronization of adjustment units.
Innovation Solution
The support device features a connecting shaft that can be axially moved between two positions using spring means, allowing for a simple assembly and disassembly process, with a non-rotatable connection achieved through a form fit between the connecting shaft and rotatably mounted components, and blind holes providing axial play for easy movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting shaft with precise mechanical connections is used to synchronize adjustment units, then mechanical synchronization is achieved, but assembly and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting shaft is divided into multiple segments that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each segment can be attached to the adjustment units separately, allowing for simplified maintenance and replacement without requiring complete disassembly of the entire mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting shaft incorporates movable connection elements that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement state. This allows the shaft to transition between locked and unlocked states, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining rigid mechanical synchronization during operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If intricate mechanical connections are used for precise alignment, then adjustment precision is improved, but ease of assembly and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as guide rails, positioning pins, or pre-drilled holes are incorporated into the design to automatically guide components into their correct positions during assembly. This preliminary alignment action eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures and ensures precise positioning without requiring specialized assembly skills.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary components such as alignment pins, guide blocks, or self-centering mechanisms are introduced to facilitate precise alignment between the connecting shaft and adjustment units. These intermediary elements temporarily hold components in the correct relative position during assembly, making the assembly process simpler while ensuring manufacturing precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed mechanical connections are used for synchronization, then mechanical stability is improved, but ease of disassembly for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the connecting shaft and adjustment units is designed to be dynamically changeable, allowing it to switch between a locked stable state during operation and an unlocked disassembled state for maintenance. This is achieved through features such as quick-release latches, bayonet mounts, or snap-fit connections that provide rigid fixation during use but can be easily released when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy discarding (removal) of the connecting shaft or its connection elements from the adjustment units during maintenance, with the understanding that these components will be recovered (reinstalled) after maintenance is complete. This principle is implemented through reversible connection mechanisms that maintain stability during normal operation but allow for straightforward removal and reinstallation.
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
This design simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the support device by allowing the connecting shaft to be easily positioned and removed, ensuring a secure, non-rotatable connection while maintaining mechanical synchronization for adjustments, thus enhancing usability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting shaft being brought into the first position by spring means is biased
Implementation Method 2
the spring means can have coil springs which are inserted into the recesses designed as blind holes
Implementation Method 3
the connecting shaft has a non-circular cross-section at least at its ends, with the recesses in the rotatably mounted components having a complementary cross-section to the ends of the connecting shaft, so that in the first position of the connecting shaft a form fit is achieved
Implementation Method 4
an electric motor whose drive torque is transmitted to the second adjustment unit via the connecting shaft
Implementation Method 5
The drive torque of the electric motor, which is converted into an adjusting force via a spindle drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support device which can be adjusted by an electric motor, for supporting the cushioning arrangement of an item of furniture for sitting or lying on, in particular a bed mattress. Said support device comprises a base body which has a first support part which can be adjusted, in particular pivoted, in relation to a second support part, also comprising an electric motor adjusting device which is functionally connected to the first seat part for the adjustment thereof. Said adjusting device comprises a first and a second adjusting unit which are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the base body. A rotationally mounted component of the first adjusting unit is connected in an essentially rotationally fixed manner to the same component of the second adjusting unit by means of a connection shaft and the axial ends of the connection shaft engage in recesses on the rotationally mounted components. The connection shaft (22) can be axially displaced between a first position in which the rotationally mounted components are connected together in a secure manner by the connection shaft (22), and a second position in which one end of the connection shaft (22) is released from the recess associated therewith, and it is prestressed in the first position by spring means.