Wrap-Around Bed Frame with Tool-Free Assembly and Protective Shields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bed frames lack support at the foot end, leading to potential damage from weight distribution, require tool-based assembly, and have sharp edges that can damage bed coverings, with the absence of a footboard compromising aesthetics and structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A wrap-around bed frame design with a foot member connected to the side rails using a tool-free affixation system, incorporating protective shields and movable slides to cover gaps, ensuring easy assembly and preventing damage to bed coverings, while providing additional support and a cohesive appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional bed frame without a footboard is used, then assembly is simpler and fewer components are needed, but support at the foot end is insufficient and the appearance is less pleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidsupport at foot end

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The footboard is divided into multiple segments including vertical panels, horizontal panels, and diagonal braces that can be assembled separately and connected to the side rails, allowing for easier assembly while providing comprehensive support at the foot end

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If metal side rails with sharp edges are used, then structural strength is improved, but bed coverings can be torn or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of side railsVSAvoiddamage to bed coverings

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Protective shields made of flexible material are introduced as intermediaries between the sharp metal edges of the side rails and the bed coverings, absorbing the harmful effect of sharp edges while allowing the metal rails to maintain their structural strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If hand tools and specialized skills are required for assembly, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strength of frame membersVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members are designed with self-aligning features and snap-fit connections that automatically guide components into proper position and secure them without requiring hand tools or specialized assembly skills, maintaining connection strength while dramatically reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If the foot ends of side rails extend in cantilever beyond supporting legs, then the design is simpler, but bending and damage can occur under weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of designVSAvoidresistance to bending at foot end

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The footboard structure is pre-assembled with diagonal braces and horizontal panels that provide structural reinforcement before the entire assembly is attached to the side rails, preventing bending and damage at the foot end while maintaining design simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10548407B2Wrap around bed frame

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 FINGER LAKES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

A wrap around bed frame for use in supporting a box spring and mattress having side rails and cross members and a foot member that is affixed to the foot ends of the side rails to provide support for the foot end of the bedding. The entire bed frame can be assembled with fittings that do not require tools for assembly and thus, the bed frame can be assembled easily by the user by simply sliding or snapping the components together. Protective shields cover the bed frame so as to minimize harm to a person inadvertently striking one of the bed frame components. The foot member is comprised of an upper and lower member affixed together. There are also center wedges on the cross members where a foot can be affixed to the center wedge to facilitate assembly of the bed frame.