Wedge-Driven Electric Motor Support Device for Compact Bed Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for furniture, such as slatted frames, often have limitations in terms of adjustability, compactness, and ease of integration with existing designs, particularly when it comes to applying large adjustment forces efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A support device adjustable by an electric motor, featuring a drive train connected to a translating adjusting element and a wedge-like lifting guide element, which allows the support part to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the base part, enabling significant adjustment forces while maintaining a compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spindle drive with link lever is used to adjust support parts, then the support part can be adjusted by mechanical force, but the device becomes complex and requires separate housings for double drives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive means and support part adjustment mechanism into an integrated unit where the electric motor, drive train, and lifting guide element work together as a single assembly. This eliminates the need for separate housings and complex link levers required by traditional spindle drives, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential adjustment function from the complex spindle drive system and implements it through a simplified mechanism consisting of an electric motor, drive train, and wedge-like lifting guide element. This extraction removes unnecessary components like link levers and separate housings, achieving the same adjustment capability with reduced complexity.
2Force
If a pneumatic cylinder or gas spring is used for adjustment, then large adjustment forces can be applied, but the device requires significant space and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the drive train components within the support structure itself. The electric motor and drive train are positioned to utilize the existing space within the support device framework, allowing large adjustment forces to be generated without requiring additional external space or complex integration with existing furniture structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a wedge-like lifting guide element that converts linear motion from the drive train into pivoting motion of the support part. This dimensional transformation allows the system to generate large adjustment forces through a compact mechanism that does not require the extensive space needed by pneumatic cylinders or gas springs.
3Length of stationary object
If the drive motor is housed inside longitudinal beams to reduce height, then the overall height is minimized, but the motor has limited space for cooling and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the support device with dynamically adjustable components that can be reconfigured during maintenance or manufacturing. The drive means and support parts are arranged to allow temporary disassembly or repositioning, enabling motor accessibility when needed while maintaining the compact integrated structure during normal operation.
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 compact support device capable of applying large adjustment forces, suitable for retrofitting or equipping beds with electric motor adjustment functionality, enhancing adjustability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lifting guide element acting in a wedge-like manner is arranged on one of the parts, which is shaped in such a way and is or can be operatively connected to the adjusting element that, when there is a relative movement between the adjusting element and the lifting guide element along the linear axis, the support part is pivoted about the support part pivot axis with respect to the base part
Data Source
AI summary
A support device (2) adjustable by means of an electric motor for supporting cushioning of a piece of furniture for sitting and/or lying on, in particular a mattress of a bed, comprises a base part (4) and a support part (6). At least one of the parts (4, 6) has at least one lifting guide element (34) which is located thereon and acts in a wedge-like manner, and which is shaped in such a way and is or can be brought into operative connection with the adjusting element (32) such that, in the event of a relative movement between the adjusting element (32) and the lifting guide element (34) along the linear axis, the support part (6) is pivoted about the support part pivot axis (8) with respect to the base part (4).