Discovering The Inner Workings of a Recliner Chair's Mechanism
TABLE OF CONTENT
- How Does A Recliner Chair Work?
- What Are The Different Reclining Positions?
- Recliner Chairs Additional Features
- Final Words
Did you just yearn for a cozy lounging area in your house? Let's assume you decided to buy a recliner chair. You can simply imagine it as a cozy chair that can recline and provide ample comfort to sit back and relax. It's a popular piece of furniture that people love for its ability to provide different seating positions.
But did you get curious to know how a recliner chair works and the main components it comes from?
If so, keep reading to learn how a recliner mechanism works, its types, and how it became the crowned prince of comfort.
How Does A Recliner Chair Work?
Basically, when you activate the recliner function, the recliner mechanism engages, allowing the backrest to tilt backward while the footrest extends outward.
This mechanism is controlled by a lever or button located on the side of the chair. As the backrest reclines, the springs within the chair provide support and cushioning, ensuring a comfortable seating experience.
This is a quick glimpse of how a recliner works. There are two primary types of recliner chairs based on mechanism: manual recliners and power recliner chairs.
Each mechanism works differently, but ultimately they strive to provide good comfort for the users.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how a typical recliner chair works
Frame and Upholstery
Whenever you think of sinking into a recliner chair, remember that beneath a stylish exterior, there is a sturdy frame and comfy upholstery that deliver the coziness you expect from this chair.
The frame is either made of metal or wood. The frame is then covered with comfortable padding and upholstery, which can be made of various materials like fabric, leather, or synthetic materials.
Reclining Mechanism
The core component of a recliner chair is the reclining mechanism, and there are several types of mechanisms commonly used:
a. Lever-operated: You can compare the lever located on the side of the chair to the secret weapon that can help it recline. When you pull it, it releases a lock mechanism and comes alive. Or, in other words, it reclines. You can recliner to your desired position and lock the chair by pushing the lever back.
This type is found in manual recliner chairs. Since it lacks an in-built motor, users must shift the position of the seat using a lever or a manual push or pull mechanism.
Manual recliners are generally affordable. But considering the simpler operating system than electric recliners, they have limited functionality and offer a smaller range of reclined positions.
b. Push-button or electric: Power recliners, also called electric recliners, have in-built motors that automatically move the user's seating position and footrest with just a touch of a button or touchpads for more convenience on the chair's side or a remote control.
So, with a button press, the electric motor gets activated, and the chair adjusts its position smoothly and quietly. This type of mechanism often allows you to stop at various reclining angles. So, you can recline, incline, or decline to your favorite position.
Tired of pulling the lever to adjust the recliner chair to your favorite position? Say goodbye to the struggles and old-school recliners with electric recliners.
c. Body weight: In certain recliners, the chair's backrest and footrest are designed to adjust based on your body weight and movements. You can activate the recliner by simply leaning back or applying pressure to the footrest.
This mechanism is found in manual recliners without a lever or motorized controls.
Recliner Springs
Did you know that even if a single spring breaks, it can lead to different malfunctions throughout the recliner?
Yes, the spring in a recliner serves a critical purpose in supporting all of the chair's functions. This is because when a spring fails, it can compromise the support provided to different body parts.
Recliner's Leg
Legs play a big role in a recliner chair, as they're used to lock the whole mechanism in a desired position, whether fully reclined or in an upright position in place and prevent accidental movements while sitting or reclining. This is why the legs have a knob on one end that attaches the footrest to the frame.
What Are The Different Reclining Positions?
Once the reclining mechanism is engaged, the chair offers various positions for you to choose from, such as:
- Upright position: The chair is in a fully vertical position, suitable for sitting and regular activities.
- Partial recline: The backrest tilts backward while the footrest remains lowered. This position allows you to relax with your legs slightly elevated.
- Full recline: The chair's backrest reclines to a nearly horizontal position, and the footrest extends fully. This position is ideal for napping or resting in a horizontal position. It is also called the "zero-gravity position that some recliners have.
Recliner Chairs Additional Features
Some recliner chairs come with extra features to enhance comfort and convenience, including:
- Adjustable headrests allow you to position the headrest according to your comfort and support needs. Want to take a quick nap while in a reclining position? Adjust it to the perfect angle for maximum coziness.
- Lumbar support: Certain recliners provide adjustable lumbar support and know exactly where to apply just the right amount of support. Thus ensuring your spine stays aligned and happy.
- Massage and heating functions: Advanced recliners may have built-in massage nodes or heating elements that provide relaxation and pain relief. They are like warm hugs that know how to melt away your stress and body pain.
Final Words
In conclusion, a recliner chair operates using a combination of mechanisms that work to provide comfort and functionality. The primary components of a recliner include the frame, springs, recliner mechanism, and footrest.
Only when each part or component works correctly can you enjoy the full potential of what a recliner chair offers.
If you love having your own personal relaxation command center after a long, exhausting day at work, get a recliner chair at Jennifer Furniture, which contains an array of high-quality recliner chairs from top brands.
