Telescoping Bar Locking Mechanism for Foldable Bedstead Leg Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bedsteads with adjustable supports often have complex locking/unlocking mechanisms or short, non-adjustable struts, which can be cumbersome and lack stability.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable support system comprising an outer tubular bar, an inner bar, and a locking/unlocking mechanism with a retainer, elastic member, and fastener, allowing for easy assembly and selective restriction of movement between the bars, enabling stable and versatile positioning of the bedstead's leg assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex locking/unlocking mechanisms are used in adjustable supports, then the support can be adjusted to different positions, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome locking and unlocking procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of support positionVSAvoidease of locking and unlocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support system uses spring-loaded retainers that automatically engage with the outer bar at predetermined positions without requiring manual locking operations. The system serves itself by using the movement of the inner bar to trigger automatic engagement/disengagement of the retainers, eliminating the need for complex user-operated locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms (such as threads, cam-locks, or multi-component fasteners) with a simpler spring-based retainer system that uses elastic deformation and geometric constraints to achieve locking and unlocking functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If short non-adjustable struts are used to support the bed frame, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates because the support length cannot be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of support structureVSAvoidadjustability of support length

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support system transitions from a static fixed-length strut to a dynamic adjustable-length mechanism. The inner bar can slide within the outer bar and lock at multiple predetermined positions, allowing the support length to adapt to different bed configurations while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support is divided into two separable components (inner bar and outer bar) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the support length to be adjusted by changing the overlap between the two segments, while each segment remains structurally simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the leg assembly is made foldable for easy storage, then the ease of operation improves, but the stability deteriorates during the folding and unfolding process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of folding and unfoldingVSAvoidstability during folding process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded retainers are pre-positioned along the outer bar to engage with the inner bar at specific intervals. As the inner bar moves during folding/unfolding, the retainers automatically engage at predetermined positions, providing intermediate stabilization points that guide the transition and prevent uncontrolled movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism provides cushioning by absorbing shock and damping vibrations during the folding and unfolding process. The elastic deformation of the springs softens the impact when the retainer engages with the outer bar, preventing sudden jerky movements and enhancing stability during the transition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 stable and easy-to-use adjustable support system that allows for secure locking and unlocking of the bedstead's leg assembly, enhancing stability and ease of use by allowing the bedstead to be easily folded or unfolded.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member is disposed at a bottom of the groove of the retainer, and abuts the outer tubular bar to push the outer tubular bar away from the retainer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11103077B2Adjustable support and bedstead having same

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 GEXIN XIAMEN SPORTS EQUIP

AI summary

Disclosed are adjustable supports and bedsteads. An adjustable support includes an inner bar with one or more cuts and an outer tubular bar with a slot. The inner and outer bars are movably coupled with each other. The adjustable support also includes a mechanism coupled with the outer bar at a position corresponding to the slot of the outer bar. When a cut of the inner bar is aligned with the slot of the outer bar, the mechanism engages with both the cut of the inner bar and the slot of the outer bar, and thus restricts the inner and outer bars from moving with respect to each other.