Characteristics of a corner sofa with a dolphin transformation mechanism
A modern sofa bed is the main piece of furniture in almost every home. For the convenience of users, manufacturers are developing various transformation mechanisms that turn the seats into a comfortable berth. The most popular corner sofa today is a dolphin - a practical, durable product. Before choosing it, you should familiarize yourself with the key characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this upholstered furniture.
Content
What is a
Dolphin transformation system is the most common sliding mechanism installed in corner sofas. This is a movable metal structure with rigidly fixed guides along which the rollers move, ensuring the movement of the frame. Pulling on a secret loop, you can easily extend the additional section. The platform, as it were, jumps out from under the main seat, which looks like a dolphin jump - hence the name of the mechanism.
Corner sofas are divided into static and mobile views. In the first embodiment, structural elements are rigidly fixed. In mobile samples, the main part and the folding corner can move apart.
The design of the corner sofa dolphin consists of the following elements:
- frame;
- support frame;
- transformation mechanism;
- fasteners;
- seats and back;
- decorative fittings.
The dolphin mechanism is considered the most complex, but at the same time the most reliable and convenient for the quick organization of a daily berth. Such models are compact when folded, and when unfolded they form a wide and even rectangular box. They withstand a large load (up to 400 kg), are slightly deformed, and are durable. In furniture stores you can pick up products of different price ranges and designs.
Disadvantages of sofas with a dolphin system:
- lack of a compartment for storing linen;
- uneven elasticity due to different stiffness of the seat, hidden platform and angular protrusion;
- height differences between components may occur;
- the berth is located rather low;
- the difficulty of moving the rollers of the roll-out platform if the carpet is on the floor.
The designs of modern corner sofas include a linen box under the ottoman.
Materials of manufacture
In the manufacture of sofas with a dolphin transformation mechanism, various materials are used: wood or metal for the frame, filler, upholstery fabric.
Housing
Upholstered furniture is always based on strong and reliable frames. In their manufacture, the best hardwood is used: ash, beech, walnut, oak. Such cases are particularly durable.Pine and birch are cheaper and less quality wood, which makes furniture less expensive, but such structures can crack over time.
Glued beam is used in the manufacture of sidewalls. The quality of the wooden case is determined by a perfectly smooth surface. More affordable - chipboard, MDF, chipboard, plywood, but these materials wear out and deform faster.
Particleboard sofas should be selected with care, as they may contain harmful formaldehydes.
Metal frames also have good technical characteristics. They have high strength, durability, resistant to ignition. However, heavy weight makes them impractical to use.
Sliding mechanism
Convenient lifting system allows you to effortlessly move the lower part one level with the main half of the sofa. The system of levers and springs reliably holds the unfolded structure. The transformation mechanism is made of high strength steel. Some design features facilitate the extension and lifting of the platform:
- Furniture gas lift or hydraulic gas device. The design is made of a piston and a cylinder filled with inert gas, due to which a cushioning effect is created, which ensures smooth operation of the spring. The presence of this element facilitates the lifting of the seat.
- Synchronizer bar. Evenly distributes the load, not allowing the bedroom place to warp. Fastens with rollers and brackets.
- Several levels of lifting simplify the procedure of folding and folding the sofa.
With various modifications of the transformation system, the principle of action remains unchanged.
Filler
As a filler, natural or synthetic materials are used. Most often, in the manufacture of corner sofas with a dolphin transformation mechanism, they use:
- Synthetic winterizer. This synthetic filler is made from polyester fibers and is widely used in the furniture industry. A significant plus of the material is the affordable price. The downside is the loss of shape under heavy loads. The use of harmful additives by some manufacturers in the production of syntepon makes it hazardous to health.
- Sintepuh. It looks like soft natural fluff, has a good volume. Of the advantages, it is worth highlighting environmental friendliness, the ability to keep fit well. It is mainly used for filling cushions.
- Durafil, holofiber. Does not collect dust, does not absorb extraneous odors, has a soft breathable structure. It is used to fill pillows, side rollers.
- Latex. This is a natural hygroscopic material. It is made from rubber tree sap. Hypoallergenic latex is highly valued, often used in the manufacture of expensive furniture. Mattresses made of this material are appreciated for their convenience and long service life.
- Spring unit. Products with a rigid spring block have a complex structure. It is wrapped with soft materials and attached to a wooden frame. Spring mattresses have several advantages: durability, reliability, elasticity, good ventilation and moisture exchange.
- Coconut tow. Elastic natural material is extracted from coconuts. It has a strong structure, in combination with other fillers it is used to isolate them from hard metal springs. Only high-quality coconut tow from ripe fruits is suitable as a filler.
- Furniture foam or polyurethane foam. Soft porous foam with high quality performance. It is characterized by strength, density, elasticity, breathability. It is used in the manufacture of upholstered furniture of various brands. Deservedly considered one of the best fillers.
Upholstery
The quality and duration of operation of a sofa with a dolphin system also depends on the upholstery. With a huge variety of modern materials, you can get lost in their choice. It is worth highlighting the most popular and practical fabrics:
- Cotton. Natural material is harmless to health, ideal for upholstery of children's sofas. Cotton-based breathable fabrics are often used for furniture coverings. To protect against dust, burnout, scuffs, a special protective layer is applied to the cotton material.
- Jacquard. Durable canvas with special strong weaving in the form of a variety of patterns. It can be natural or synthetic.
- Tapestry. Practical fabric in different colors. It consists of cotton, wool, synthetics. To increase the wear resistance, the tapestry is treated with protective impregnations.
- Flock. One of the most popular fabrics, reliable, durable, pleasant to the touch. Flock withstands numerous cleanings, it will be a good choice for an apartment where there are small children and pets.
- Genuine Leather. This luxurious material is used for upholstery of expensive upholstered furniture. It is appreciated for the long term of operation and comfort when using.
- Imitation leather. Outwardly similar to natural, but significantly inferior in quality. Sofas with such upholstery should be kept away from heat sources.
The choice of upholstery material directly depends on the room and intensity of use.
How to choose a quality model
The choice of a quality corner sofa should be approached in detail. Before buying a model, you must proceed from the following characteristics:
- Sizes. Dolphin sofas are suitable for apartments with different sizes. Accurate measurement of the corner of the room will ideally fit the sofa into it.
- Particular attention should be paid to the material of which the frame is made. The best sofas are made of metal and natural wood - beech, pine, oak.
- Upholstery. You should choose a durable wear-resistant fabric that is well cleaned. Materials from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers are popular: microfiber, chenille, flock, jacquard.
- The convenience of corner sofas is a dolphin - an important quality that you need to evaluate when choosing. Before the acquisition, you should sit and lie down on it, make sure that there are no squeaks and any defects. All elements in the unfolded form must fit snugly against each other without height differences. Be sure to check how smoothly the transformation mechanism works, try to disassemble and assemble it. Make sure that the wheels of the extendable platform are rubberized or have a silicone coating, this will protect the floor from scratches.
- Design. When choosing a shade of furniture, you must take into account the style of the room and its color scheme.
Do not buy upholstered furniture at low prices in dubious places - there is a risk of acquiring artificially low-quality fake.
Careful attitude to upholstered furniture, regular cleaning from dust, lubrication of moving parts will maintain a pleasant appearance for a long time. Favorite sofa will become a comfortable place for a pleasant family pastime and sleep.
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