Five rocking mechanisms to create your comfort
Are you sure that you have configured your rocking mechanism as conveniently as possible and used all its capabilities? If you doubt the answer or are looking for a new five-wheeled friend, is this article for you?
According to the calculations of scientists (not British, but normal ones), throughout our lives we spend a little more than 10 years at work... That is why ]armchairs[/anchor] around the world decided: “Let these be the best 10 years of your life!”, and equipped with a huge number of adjustments. It’s more pleasant to spend so much time in soft, comfortable chairs, isn’t it?
If you are asking philosophical questions, “what kind of lever is this” or “why is there this huge screw” in your chair, or are you looking for a new friend on wheels, this article is a must-read for you.
Let's look at the most common swing mechanisms for office chairs!
Gaming chairs
Staff chairs
Executive chairs
Reinforced seats up to 250 kg
What rocking mechanisms can chairs have?
Piastra
Quite a poetic name for that harsh thing in the photo below, don’t you agree? Thus, a piastra is a device that allows you to adjust the chair exclusively in height. Up down. And that is all.
It is a block with a gas lift control lever, which, in turn, has the magical power to raise and lower your chair. Typically used in low-cost operator models.
Permanent contact
Along with piastres, you can often find permanent contact . It is based on an elastic spring, which allows the back of the chair to press against the back of the person sitting and, accordingly, regulates its angle and fixation.
In total, it has 3 adjustments :
- back height
- planting depth
- backrest deflection rigidity
FDA (spring-screw mechanism)
Another device for connecting the seat and back of the chair is the PVM (spring-screw mechanism) .
It has only 1 adjustment: backrest swing stiffness. The interesting thing is that the backrest here is not fixed in any position - initially it is vertical. But when you lean on it, the front actuator is activated, and the backrest tilts depending on your contact force (or weight).
Top gun
The top gun, or centered swing mechanism, or DMS is a “rocker”. Such devices are used in executive chairs.
The top gun has three adjustments:
- Up and down, using a lever that acts on the gas lift and raises or lowers the chair.
- The same lever, if adjusted not up and down, but right and left, activates the swing mechanism, or, conversely, fixes the chair in the working position.
- The mechanism contains an adjusting screw, which allows you to adjust the rigidity of the swing depending on the weight of the person sitting.
The mechanism is called “centered” because its axis is located in the middle of the chair, which means that when the chair is fully tilted, the seated person’s feet are lifted off the floor.
In more expensive models (which have a multiblock with an offset axis, which we will talk about later), the swing axis is shifted closer to the edge , and therefore it is more comfortable to swing: your feet are on the ground.
Deep Tilt
Deep Tilt , or deep swing mechanism , or knee mechanism , is a device that allows you to turn your warhorse into a virtual rocking chair.
- The lever on one side is responsible for raising and lowering the chair up and down.
- The lever on the other side is responsible for swinging and locking in the working position.
- The mechanism contains an adjusting screw that allows you to adjust the rigidity of the swing.
To roughly generalize, the functions of Deep Tilt are the same as those of the top gun. A separate lever is allocated only for swinging, which allows the chair to swing stronger .
Deep Tilt is not very common in Russia, but to get the overall picture we decided to add it to the list.
Multiblock
The good old and beloved chair transformation mechanism . It has all the top gun adjustments, and what's more:
- Allows you to adjust the force of deflection of the chair during swinging and its rigidity
- Fixes the chair back in several positions (up to 5 positions)
Multiblock with an offset axis is a variation of the multiblock that ensures constant contact of the feet with the floor, no matter what the tilt of the chair is at this moment. Such a mechanism can be found in ergonomic, comfortable models of executive chairs.
Multiblock with synchro mechanism
The synchro mechanism changes the angle of inclination of both the back of the chair and the seat separately, but all at the same time. In other words, when rocking, the seat and backrest move separately from each other, but in a certain proportion to the angle of inclination. As a rule, the optimal proportion is a ratio of 3:1. Backrest tilt 3 degrees = seat tilt 1 degree.
The tilt range of the chair back is 30-36 degrees. At the same time, any synchronizing mechanism is necessarily equipped with load adjustment for personal adjustment to your weight in order to ensure maximum unloading of the spine.
Multiblock with asynchronous mechanism
The asynchronous mechanism performs exactly the same functions as the synchronous mechanism, but at the same time the back and seat tilt independently of each other, following the movement vector of the seated body.
In other words, when you rock on a chair, the backrest swings with you, but the seat remains fixed in one position. Or vice versa.
Computer chair gas lift device
A gas lift is a housing with a cylinder in which a rod and piston are located that have free movement. The cylinder is made up of a pair of reservoirs separated by an opening valve. When the chair is in the lower position, the piston is located in the upper segment of the cylinder.
In case of critical damage or destruction, it is impossible to knock the gas elevator out of the base.
When you press the lever to raise the chair, you press on a button that opens the valve, which causes gas to flow from the first reservoir to the second. This gas puts pressure on the piston, causing it to lower smoothly, causing the chair to rise.
A gas lift for an office chair is a type of spring in which gas acts as an elastic element.
When the pressure on the lever stops, the valve closes and the position of the piston is fixed. When the lever is pressed and a person is in the chair, the valve opens and the weight acts on the cylinder, which moves down. At the same time, the piston pushes out the gas, rising upward, which leads to the lowering of the chair.
Top gun with swing amplitude ZY-168-2
Add to cart 1,950 RUR
What other additional mechanisms exist in nature?
In addition to the above, the chairs may contain:
- Multi top gun , or top gun deluxe , or DMSL - this is a more advanced version of the top gun from the point above. The difference from the basic top-gun mechanism is the presence of a lever for fixing the chair in any convenient position. Actually, this is what makes it “luxury”.
- “Anti-shock effect” is a mechanism that independently smoothly returns the chair to its working position after unlocking. This means that you do not receive a sharp push in the back from your favorite (or no longer?) chair, but calmly return to your working position.
- A slider is a device that regulates the depth of the seat (it can “move” back and forth and lock in 5 different positions, moving the back of the chair further away or closer to you).
Phew, figured it out! And now – our TOP 8 most popular office chairs – look, study, buy!
Piastra
This mechanism is the most basic; it is installed on inexpensive models of mass-produced computer chairs. The plate is a lever block that controls the position of the gas lift. The plate performs one function: it fixes the height of the office chair. The plate controlled gas lift is the supporting element and connects the beam cross member to the seat base. Under the action of the lever, the piston stroke in the gas lift is turned on and the user adjusts the convenient position of the product.
The main advantages of the device are simplicity, reliability and low cost. But there is a limit: an office chair with a plate mechanism is suitable for those who intend to use the selected furniture no more than 3 hours a day. If you spend more than 3 hours in a work chair, you should take a closer look at more advanced mechanisms with adjustable backrest angle.
Form options
The most popular today are orthopedic office chairs. They differ in design, expanded mechanisms for adjusting the backrest, seat, and headrest. This office option is suitable for workers of any build and height. Ergonomics allows you to increase the efficiency of personnel and reduces the risk of osteochondrosis, because if an employee sits incorrectly, the cervical spine and, as a result, the entire spine are strained. This causes back problems or leads to headaches.
Orthopedic office chairs vary in price. You can choose budget options, the price of which starts from 5 thousand rubles. Models with a headrest will cost more, but the benefits for the neck muscles are enormous. The most expensive options are those with a split backrest, which allows employees to be as relaxed as possible at their desk. Models for operators also come with a double backrest.
Employee office chairs with an anatomically shaped backrest are unique. The photo shows that the piece of furniture has two bases, to which pillows are attached that follow the shape of the back. In addition, a massage effect is created and blood circulation is stimulated. The chrome-plated steel base is attached to the element on five wheels. The office chair can handle a load of 120 kilograms and reacts to changes in position. Serves as a simulator for spinal traction.
The work chair should have convenient adjustment mechanisms so that you can change the tilt with one hand. We adjust the armrests, which will allow you to work tirelessly even longer. We also pay attention to the quality of the seat, which is divided into soft, hard and semi-soft. Our main emphasis is that the seat should be round in shape. We also pay attention to the swing mechanism without the risk of breaking the furniture.
Anatomical
Orthopedic
Office chair - characteristics
This type of furniture is radically different from a simple stool or lounge chair. Products intended for long-term office work in an almost unchanged position at the table must optimally suit the person in terms of height and other anthropological data. When choosing a chair for an office or study, it is advisable to compare the characteristics of the samples you like. A photograph or a quick inspection of the appearance of a display case does not provide complete information; when studying the passport, familiarize yourself with the following parameters:
- Upholstery and frame material.
- The presence of adjustment mechanisms (height and depth of the backrest, tilt angles).
- Dimensions of the assembled product.
- If you purchase a folding office chair, then you need to know its dimensions, taking into account all the adjustments.
- Color and design.
- The weight of the product itself.
- Maximum weight load on the seat.
- Cost.
- Manufacturer.
Rating of the best models and manufacturers
There are a large number of office furniture manufacturers, but as elsewhere, there are those that have won the hearts of consumers with high quality, functionality, ergonomics and reasonable prices. When compiling a list, these include the following companies and models.
Brand HARA CHAIR with model NIETZSCHE UD. Price from 16,600 to 40,000 rubles.
“New Style” is a Russian manufacturer. The most popular models:
- “ISO” ruler;
- "TASK" and "SALSA";
- "PRESTIGE NEW".
The price varies from 900 to 2000 rubles.
Before you make a purchase, sit in a chair. Try changing all its functions with one hand.
"Alvest" is a company operating in the middle price range and slightly lower. The models include:
- AV 220;
- AV 222;
- AV 217.
The cost varies from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles.
The Alvest computer chair is made in a restrained office minimalist style
TRENDLINES is a young Belarusian company. Popular models:
- "Everprof Ergo Black";
- "Everprof Everest S";
- "Everprof EP 708 TM".
Price from 6,000 to 15,000 rubles.
Trendlines company is a Belarusian manufacturer of modern and high-quality chairs.
TetChair – high-quality office chairs in the mid-price category. Models:
- Cambridge:
- "Runner";
- Comfort LT.
Price from 6,000 to 13,000 rubles.
The service life of an office chair depends on the rules of use and care taken.
"Bureaucrat" is a Russian company with a wide selection of office furniture. Models:
- KB-9 ECO;
- Miro;
- Aura.
Price from 1000 to 50000 rubles.
Comfortable and high-quality office chairs from a Russian manufacturer.
CHAIRMAN is a Russian company with a wide production specialization. Models:
- CH 411;
- CHAIRMAN 653;
- Chairman 404.
Price from 25,000 rubles.
CHAIRMAN office chairs are made from high-quality components from Russian and foreign manufacturers, which guarantees the durability of the chair with proper use.
Careful attention to the choice of office chair will definitely pay off with excellent well-being and productive work for both ordinary employees and management. In addition, they will help to make a proper impression on business partners, allowing you to conclude more profitable contracts.
Advantages of KINGSTYLE
5 salons.
The salon in Minsk on Nezavisimosti Avenue, 117A is the largest space with chairs in Belarus. Area 1300 m² and 1200 models of chairs and furniture in stock.
Delivery.
We work quickly. The order is already completed at the purchase stage, so delivery in Minsk takes only a few hours. To other cities of Belarus in 1–3 days. Pickup is carried out from a warehouse or showroom.
Payment.
We accept payment by bank cards, cash, through the “Raschet” system and by installments.
Guarantee.
We provide free warranty service for computer chairs for 12 months from the date of purchase. Depending on the chair you choose, you may have an additional manufacturer's warranty.
What to choose from the inexpensive ones?
IKEA Marcus for 11,999 rubles - top. This is the most affordable option that you can take. Yes, for a chair on which you will spend 6-8 hours a day, this is a normal price. Here you also have not the most shameful rocking mechanism, a mesh back and lumbar support, there are armrests, a headrest and wheels with a safety brake.
The main material of the chair for 11,990 rubles is fabric
The version for 13,999 rubles is made of polyester - skip it
The chair comes with a 10-year warranty - this is a lot; more often than not, manufacturers only provide a few years of warranty.
Which chair to choose if there are no budget restrictions?
Herman Miller Embody, of course! The model has been on the market for several decades, it is changed minimally, and stability is a sign of skill. And these chairs look simply amazing. By the way, this is the only orthopedic chair in the manufacturer’s line; all the others are ergonomic.
The back of the chair resembles a spine
Huge number of colors available
The Herman Miller Embody chair is owned by Andrey Baryshnikov, one of the co-founders and hosts of the BeardyCast podcast. Here are his thoughts about the chair:
I'm not an expert on chairs.
I like it. Supports your back in all positions, not only vertically, but also tilting/twisting left and right. I almost always sit leaning back to take the load off my spine, if anything. This chair allows you to sit so that when you tilt, you remain vertical relative to the screen... This is difficult to explain in words.
The adjustable length of the seat is useful when I want to put my legs on it.
The fabric survives time well - there is not a trace on it, and it calmly survived the stage in the life of cats when they tore at everything (including this chair).
It also has cool wheels. It is very easy to move around the room without leaving your chair.
Andrey Baryshnikov
Co-founder and host of the BeardyCast podcast
And here we come to the only, perhaps, minus - the price. On the official Herman Miller website, the most affordable version will cost $1,495 (approximately 112,000 rubles). In Russia it is even greater. Do you need wheels for parquet? Pay another 40 dollars. Need a different base color or better fabric? Get your money ready! But here you pay for a name, proven models and a 12-year warranty. In addition, you can find used chairs at an attractive price, but delivery may be a problem.
How to adjust the backrest
The height of the back of the chair provides support for the back and arches in the lower back. To adjust its position, you must first sit correctly. The above instructions should have already been completed. Changing the position of the back of an office chair without adjusting the height is useless: the fit will still be incorrect.
Once you have the correct position in the chair, you need to adjust the backrest so that it supports your back and does not create an excessive forward or backward lean. The position adjustment is carried out as follows:
- it is necessary to use the screw on the back of the chair to raise the backrest to the limit;
- then you need to sit on the chair and change the position of the screw until the backrest is in the correct position;
- If the product does not have an adjustment screw, you will need to use orthopedic products.
In addition to the height, the correct backrest angle must be set. Once the back of the office chair is at the desired height, you can adjust the angle using another screw. The tilt of the backrest is determined by the position you choose. While sitting in this position, you should feel like the chair is supporting you. Tilt adjustment is not available on all models.
Designer office chairs
Mass-produced furnishings are easier to find and are comparatively cheaper, but this approach does not suit a creative person. Unique products always find admirers. A designer office chair is suitable for a person trying to stand out and make the interior of their office unique. The main thing is that stylish furniture with unusual shapes meets the standards in terms of basic parameters, and spending a long time in such a chair does not have a negative impact.
Examples of designer office furniture:
- Designer chairs with floral patterns.
- Designer chairs in a futuristic style.
- Designer leather executive chair.
Dry cleaning of office chairs
The seat upholstery wears out a lot with daily use, especially for furniture in the workplace. When purchasing chairs for the office, you need to be prepared that the soft covering on the seats and backs requires periodic cleaning. This work is carried out as it gets dirty; the products used depend on the type of material (leather, synthetics, cloth).
Technology for dry cleaning chairs:
- Cleaning the surface with a vacuum cleaner to remove dust.
- Difficult stains are removed using safe stain removers and cleaned.
- If it is heavily soiled, you will have to completely cover the upholstery with the cleaning compound several times.
- High-quality cleaning of products is done using professional special washing vacuum cleaners with two hoses for supplying and removing soap solution.
- If necessary, gently dry the upholstery with a hot hairdryer.
DIY office chair repair: instructions with video
A modern office chair is a functional and comfortable piece of furniture, equipped with a rather complex mechanism that sooner or later fails. In such a situation, there are three options for the development of events: buy a new one, take it to a specialized workshop, or repair the office chair yourself.
As practice has shown, it is quite possible to do this work yourself. The only thing that is required from the master is strict adherence to the sequence of actions and implementation of the instructions that will be provided in this publication.
