A bed is not just a bed. This interior item can be made more functional due to an interesting headboard made in the form of cabinets or book shelves. But this is not the limit of functionality. Under the bed you can store rarely used things, hiding them from prying eyes. But in this case, free access to boxes and drawers is of particular importance, which you can really get by equipping the bed with special lifting mechanisms - a pair of pistons that operate on the principle of gas lift for the bed.
What is gas lift and why is it for us
This is a special mechanism used to lift and transform furniture elements connected to it. By its principle, this device is similar to a car shock absorber.
Design features of gas lift is in its configuration. It consists of:
- a cylinder inside filled with gas, often nitrogen; It is important to note that the gaseous composition is present inside the cylinder under high pressure, therefore it is not recommended to disassemble such a device with your own hands;
- a piston with a drain, which serves to transfer the applied force to the external environment;
- oil damper, providing smoothness due to the shock absorbing effect.
The purpose of a gas lift for a bed is not limited to the ability to store things under the bed. Structures equipped with this kind of mechanisms are able to properly support the spine during rest, excluding joints and roughnesses on the surface that adversely affect the musculoskeletal system.
Lift variety
Today, the types of lifting mechanisms are more than enough, and almost all of them are suitable for installation in the design of the bed. They differ only in cost, design features, service life. The peculiarity of each type of hoist lies in the possible effort used for a particular design.
Based on the principle of operation, lifts are divided into three types.
Hand held
Manual mechanisms that are attached to the hinges. This is the easiest and cheapest option. There are few such primitive devices today, since they require a lot of effort to lift, and sometimes lead to deformation of the bed body.
Spring loaded
Spring lifting systems appeared a little later and were characterized by simplicity and ease of use. It didn’t take much effort to raise the bed. This option was notable for a short service: as users write, after a maximum of five years, the springs begin to stretch, which makes them unusable.
Gas
At the heart of the gas lift for the bed is a simple mechanism that works smoothly, silently and reliably. With the correct calculation of the load and the choice of a shock-absorbing device, such a product can be used up to 10 years. The bed cabinet includes additional equipment with a pneumatic gas lift with two stops.
Experts recommend stopping your choice on the latest version, which is characterized by ease of use and a smooth ride. The cost of such a gas lift for a bed is higher in comparison with analogues, but the use of the device is fully offset not only by convenience, but also by safety.
According to the principle of functioning, elevators are divided into two groups:
- Automatic, requiring no human effort and close monitoring to raise / lower the bed.
- Frictional, with less pressure, but involving stopping the raised part of the bed in any desired position.
Please note that the former are more popular because they are leaders in sales in the market.
Calculation of the load of a gas lift for a lifting bed
Before you buy a gas lift, it is worth considering what weight it will lift, and based on this - calculate the estimated load. This is the main indicator that you will need when choosing a design.
It seems that it's as simple as that, but there are some nuances. Firstly, it is necessary to take into account the exact weight of the structure, and secondly, knowledge of some details is necessary:
- the density of the material used to make the bed, which is indicated by the manufacturer, as well as the weight of the structure;
- material density and weight of the mattress.
Before proceeding with the installation of gas lift, pay attention to the labeling of the device. The numbers on it indicate the load, determined in Newtons. Here are a few rules to help you figure out how to calculate a gas lift for a bed:
- About 10 N can withstand about 1 kg of the weight of the structure.
- Each of the mechanisms is marked by the manufacturer in increments of 200 units (600N, 800N, 1000N, etc.).
- For even load distribution, gas lifts are mounted in pairs (1 or 2 on each side).
Load Calculation Example
Your bed weighs 80 kg together. This means that for lifting you will need two furniture gas lifts for beds with markings from 800N. Theoretically, such a volume of the system can raise the weight to 160 kg, but in practice this does not happen due to the fact that the forces are distributed at an angle.
Do not forget that over time, the forces of the devices weaken, therefore it is permissible to take the model one step more than the weight of your design. Just do not buy too powerful a gas lift, otherwise it will be difficult to raise and lower the bed frame due to insufficient weight and too high gas pressure in the cylinder.
As you can see, even in choosing a gas lift for a folding bed, you should be extremely careful. Given all the rules and recommendations described, it will turn out to choose a product that meets the characteristics of your bed. And the long life of the structure depends on the right choice.