Office chairs lift primarily through a mechanism called a gas cylinder or pneumatic cylinder. This cylinder contains a system that uses compressed air to generate lifting and lowering forces.
The Gas Cylinder Mechanism
The core component is a sealed cylinder located in the central column of the chair. Inside this cylinder are:
- An air chamber
- A piston
- A valve (controlled by the lever)
When you want to raise the chair, you typically lift your weight off the seat and pull up the lever. This action activates the valve.
Based on the mechanism described, the air chamber in this cylinder is connected to a piston that, when activated by someone pushing the lever, moves into the chamber. This action further compresses the air inside the chamber, resulting in a lifting motion that allows the seat to rise. The compressed air acts like a spring, pushing the piston and the attached seat upwards.
To lower the chair, you sit on the seat (applying weight) and pull the lever again. This opens the valve, allowing the compressed air to escape or move to a less restricted area within the cylinder, and your weight pushes the piston back down, lowering the seat.
Key Components and Their Roles
Understanding the basic parts helps clarify the process:
- Gas Cylinder (Pneumatic Cylinder): The main sealed unit containing the lifting mechanism.
- Piston: A movable rod inside the cylinder connected to the chair seat.
- Air Chamber: The space within the cylinder where air is compressed.
- Activation Lever: The handle or button used by the user to open or close the valve controlling the piston movement and air flow.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Component | Role in Lifting |
|---|---|
| Gas Cylinder | Houses the mechanism |
| Piston | Moves up/down, lifting/lowering seat |
| Air Chamber | Contains air that gets compressed |
| Activation Lever | Controls the valve for height adjustment |
This pneumatic system provides a smooth, adjustable range of motion, allowing users to easily customize their seat height for ergonomic comfort.
