A Murphy bed is a foldable bed frame that can be vertically stored against a wall when not in use to save space. Wood Products Unlimited (WPU) is a Canadian-based manufacturer that makes and sells a Murphy bed product, the Embed. WPU wants a locking mechanism designed for the Embed that customers can choose to purchase with the Embed as an optional add-on. The purpose of the locking mechanism feature is to enhance overall safety and help avoid misuse of the Murphy bed.

A few key features of the locking mechanism include a 12V DC power supply that will power a keypad and two solenoids. Each solenoid and its electrical circuit are protected by a steel case mounted at each corner of the bottom rear bed frame to increase the strength and durability of the attachment of the solenoids to the bed. The locking mechanism works by allowing authorized users of the bed to lock and unlock the Murphy bed using the keypad. When the bed is in the closed position, the extended solenoid pins restrict bed movement and lock it upward. The authorized user can use the keypad to control the solenoids and retract the pins so the Murphy bed can be lowered to the open position. If the authorized user wants the bed to be locked in the open position, they would have to reuse the keypad to re-extend the solenoid pins outward, which would lock the bed in the open position.

Custom modifications will be made to both solenoids, such as a pin extension connected to the pin armature. A prototype testing rig was manufactured to simulate the forces that will be exerted on the locking mechanism and to observe the positioning of components during movement. The testing rig was used to ensure minimal force is experienced by the solenoid and to verify it will not be damaged at the armature or mounting point. The locking mechanism design had to be complete and functional within eight months and cost under $200 CAD to manufacture. The budget constraint was met but the validation results of the application of the locking mechanism onto an Embed were left unresolved due to time constraints. If the locking mechanism is successful, this design would position the Embed as the sole Murphy bed on the market with this unique capability, providing WPU with a competitive advantage over other manufacturers.