See earthquake-proof bed that sucks you into metal coffin
Digital Reporter
Friday, December 18, 2015, 11:27 AM - It's something you have to see to believe. A video tutorial of an earthquake-proof bed has raised many questions online.
The automatic structure uses modular furniture including cupboards to store basic survival supplies like water, canned food and a first aid kit.
At first glance it looks like a typical bed but as soon as sensors detect an earthquake, components quickly collapse along with the mattress, both sinking into a metal box. A lid shuts over top, encasing the occupant.
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The idea was patented in 2010 by Wang Wenxi of China, according to Gizmodo. In order to provide more protection, he's been improving its design ever since.
"I experienced the Xingtai and Tangshan earthquakes giving me more understanding of such natural disasters," the retired 66-year-old told China Daily. "The Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes caused heavy causalities, so I thought the most serious thing I could do was to invent something to reduce the toll in lives."
The animated video, which appears to be created by Russian engineer Dahir Semenov, shows several different models from a full king-size bed to a double. There is a slight variation in design, but they all tend to work in a similar fashion.
While it seems like a good idea, the bed raises many questions like what happens if the occupant's leg is hanging over the side? How exactly heavy is the mechanism? The emergency supplies appear to be under the mattress, how is the person supposed to access them? Is there a release button and can you get out?
"I think my life-saving bed is useful, especially suitable for brick-and-concrete low-rise buildings and bungalows as well as the families with the old, the weak, the sick and disabled," Wang said.
Ultimately, it depends on whether your fear of an earthquake is greater than being locked inside a metal tomb.
Source: China Daily | YouTube | Gizmodo
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