Ultra-compact profile actuation system for an adjustable bed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional articulating beds face challenges in maintaining rigidity and compactness due to bulky actuation systems, which hinder their integration into modern bed designs and lead to inefficient transportation and limited versatility in furniture placement.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-compact profile actuation system is introduced, featuring a carriage with wheels that translates along the side frame members, telescoping rotation struts, and fixed length rotation arms, allowing for efficient articulation of the upper body support section within a reduced thickness profile, masking the actuation components within the frame's vertical profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuators are used for articulation, then the bed can achieve various positions, but the actuation system becomes bulky and exposes beyond the frame profile
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system components are nested within the vertical profile of the bed frame. The carriage, telescoping struts, and rotation arms are arranged to fit inside the frame's thickness, with components nested within each other during retraction. This allows the bed to maintain a sleek, minimal profile while still providing full articulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal actuation (which would expose components beyond the frame) to vertical actuation within the frame's thickness. The carriage moves vertically along the frame, and the telescoping struts extend/compress in the vertical dimension, allowing the actuation system to operate within the frame's profile rather than protruding outward.
2Force
If conventional actuators with significant angular orientation are used, then leverage is improved, but the packaging volume increases leading to transportation inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system uses dynamic telescoping struts that change length during operation, allowing the mechanism to adapt its configuration for optimal leverage at different positions. The telescoping action provides mechanical advantage while maintaining a compact retracted length for efficient packaging and transportation.
3Shape
If the actuation system is made compact within reduced thickness profile, then modern design requirements are met, but the system complexity increases with telescoping struts and rotation arms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the carriage for vertical movement, telescoping struts for length adjustment, and rotation arms for articulation. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently optimized, allowing the complex overall system to be managed through modular functional decomposition.
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 solution enables the articulating bed to achieve a minimum profile, enhancing its compatibility with modern bed designs and reducing transportation inefficiencies while maintaining the ability to support various positions, such as reclining and elevated leg positions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one telescoping rotation strut is attached at a first end and rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members
Implementation Method 2
rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members
Implementation Method 3
A carriage having a seat support is carried by the frame, mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position through a range progressing toward the head end
Implementation Method 4
mounted with wheels engaging the side frame members to translate
Implementation Method 5
at least one fixed length rotation arms is carried at a first end by a rotating tube and pivotally attaches to the upper body support at a second end. The rotating tube is mounted on wheels constrained in a track and translates laterally in the track during the first range of motion
Implementation Method 6
mounted on wheels constrained in a track and translates laterally in the track
Implementation Method 7
the telescoping struts approach a vertical orientation at a termination of the first range of motion transferring reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arms, whereupon the telescoping rotations struts extend through a second range of motion of the carriage to fully articulate the upper body support section
Implementation Method 8
transferring reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arms
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An articulating bed incorporates a support frame (10) with a head end, a foot end and having side frame members (31). A carriage (12) having a seat support (14) is carried by the frame, mounted with wheels (25) engaging the side frame members to translate from a first position through a range progressing toward the head end to a fully translated position. An upper body support (16) is rotatably connected to the carriage and carries a mattress support (15). At least one telescoping rotation strut (18) is attached at a first end and rotates through an axle pivotally attached to the side frame members. The telescoping rotation strut engages at a second end the upper body support. At least one fixed length rotation arm (20) is carried at a first end by a rotating tube (22) and pivotally attaches to the upper body support at a second end. The rotating tube is mounted on wheels (23) constrained in a track (24) and translates laterally in the track to contact a track end proximate the head end of the frame at a termination of a first range of motion. The telescoping strut approaches a vertical orientation and transfers reaction forces resulting from translation of the carriage to the fixed length rotation arm, whereupon the telescoping rotations struts extend.