FlexNest - Transformative Children’s Bed
Fall 2023
A transformative children's bed that is a true 3-in-1. From baby, to toddler, to young adult, this bed frame grows and changes alongside the child. Only 7 base pieces are needed to create all 3 frames: the crib, the toddler bed, and the full size bed.
Design Prompt
Design a transformative bed frame that can be a crib, toddler bed, and a full-size bed in a self-contained unit with storage for all parts.
Market Analysis
While there are a variety of 3-in-1 beds on the market today, they typically come with one of a few problems:
Not all parts are included
Lack of storage for said parts
This can lead to frustration from parents when trying to purchase the full-bed conversion kit years later and finding out it has been discontinued or is no longer available in a matching color. When the conversion kit pieces are included, parents bear the burden of finding a place to store them — which could mean losing parts if misplaced or lost years down the road.
Government Regulations
Constantly changing government regulations made this project a challenge, as they are constantly changing. A design made to regulation today is very likely to be out of compliance in just ten years.
Regulations included:
No more than 2 3/8 in between crib slats
Space from mattress to top of railing must be more than 20 inches.
No corner posts over 1/16 in high
No cutouts in headboard or footboard
Concepting Sketches
There were a variety of initial concepting sketching to figure out how exactly the bed was going to fold open into a full-size bed. Initially I wanted to do a twin size bed conversion instead of a full-size, but the crib’s length was too long. However it was close enough to the width of a full-size bed to make it work. I looked into different ways of attaching the mattress platform to the crib but ultimately decided on a static wooden platform.
Cardboard Models
Cardboard models were created to demonstrate the number of parts used at each stage. The goal is to keep all the pieces within the model itself, either underneath the bed or used within the frame.
Crib: 2 siderails
Toddler Bed: 2 sides, 1 headboard
Full: No parts leftover
3D Printed Models
Multiple 1:10 scale study models were created to demonstrate the concept and tolerances. These models did not have under storage as the focus was on finding the proportions for the crib, toddler bed, and full size bed.
After multiple study models, the final total of main pieces required for the entire model to function was 7. From here the focus was on fitting all of the pieces into the understorage.
Solidworks Models
Multiple Solidworks models were made as it allows for accurate dimensioning and scaling.
Crib
Toddler Bed
Full Bed
Storage Solutions
To maximize storage underneath while simultaneously keeping it easily accessible, a slide was created using wood joinery techniques. This method requires no additional hardware and the slide can be fully removed from the side for better access.
All framing and hardware fits within the understorage, making it convenient to ship and sell in stores. This area can also be used as additional storage while other framing parts are in use.
Final Design
Final Model
Final Models
Final models were made in 1:4 scale from pine wood.
Crib
Full Bed
Toddler Bed
See the full assembly in motion here:
Photo Gallery
Full Design Report
