What are gas lifts for beds and their differences

The bed can be used not only as a sleeping place, but also for storing some things. In order to gain free access to things, a special gas lift for the bed is used, which transfers gas pressure to the structure body.

What is the purpose

Gas lift is a special mechanism designed to lift the surfaces connected to it. By its principle of operation, this mechanism is similar to automobile shock absorbers.

The gas lift for the bed consists of the following parts:

a cylinder, the inside of which is filled with gas, most often nitrogen. It is important to note that the gaseous composition of the cylinder is under very high pressure, so self-disassembling this element is not recommended;
a piston with a rod, which serves to transfer the applied force to the external environment;
oil damper for smooth running due to the shock absorbing effect.

The purpose of this device is not only the convenience of storing various things. Beds with such equipment are able to properly support the spine and eliminate joints and irregularities that interfere with normal rest.

Variety of species

Today, there are many types of lifting devices installed in the design of beds. Their difference lies in cost, design features and service life. Also a feature of each hoist is the possible effort that can be applied to a particular structure.

Depending on the principle of operation, all elevators can be divided into the following types:

a manual mechanism on hinges is the simplest and cheapest option from those presented. To date, there are very few beds with such a mechanism, since it requires more effort when lifting, and can also deform the bed body;
The spring type lifting system is very simple and convenient to use. It does not need much effort. The service life of the mechanism lasts no more than 5 years. As a rule, in the future, the springs begin to stretch and become unusable;
the mechanism with gas shock absorbers is very easy to use. The mechanism works smoothly, silently and reliably. With the correct calculation and choice of a shock absorber, it can serve more than 10 years. For a bed cabinet, a pneumatic gas lift equipped with two stops is included in the equipment.

In order to provide the most comfortable and convenient lifting of the bed, it is worth choosing a lifting mechanism with gas shock absorbers. Its cost, in comparison with other analogues, is high, but this is fully offset not only by convenience, but also by safety.

The gas lift itself is divided into 2 types:

automatic, which does not require human effort and control;
frictional, which has a lower pressure, allowing the device to stop in a different position.

For beds, automatic designs are most suitable.

Specifications

The gas lift allows you to calmly, without visible effort, raise and lower the bed. Everything happens smoothly and silently. The main technical characteristics of the device:

the main working substance of the design is an inert gas. Nitrogen is most commonly used here;
steel is used for the manufacture of the working chamber, rod and support tips;
the wall thickness of the cylinder filled with gas is at least 1 mm;
any gas lift can be compressed by its own physical effort;
for normal operation of the device, the temperature indicator should be in the range from + 80ºС to -30ºС.

The cylinder is filled with gas under high pressure, so self-disassembly is prohibited when it is deformed or other malfunction. Options for gas lift efforts are given in the table.

For vertical models
Bed weight kg	Gas lift force, N	Bed size cm
50	800	80 / 90x200
60	1000	100x200
70	1400	120x200
80	1800	140x200
90	2000	160x200
100	2200	180x200
For horizontal models
40	400	600-800
50	500	600-800
60	600	800-900
70	700	800-900
80	800	900-1400

What to consider when choosing

Since there are many types of gas elevators in the market today, it’s worthwhile to figure out what to look for when choosing:

it is necessary to calculate the required lifting capacity of the device. To do this, you need to know the mass of the bed, its height;
depending on the received capacity indicator, select the one you need;
when choosing, you also need to pay attention to the mounting diameter of the hole.

Buying a gas elevator can not be saved, since the quality of the product directly depends on the cost. Cheap mechanism will not last long.

How to install

A gas lift is usually installed on a bed during furniture production, but you can also do it yourself. For work, you will need a hammer, a saw, an electric drill with various nozzles, metal corners, self-tapping screws and a properly selected gas lift.

How to install the mechanism on the bed:

First of all, you need to assemble the bed body. For this, corners of metal are used to strengthen the structure;
Now you can fix the lifting mechanism. For this, special screws are used;
hinged frame assembly;
fastening the gas lift to the hinged frame, which should be in the open position;
checking the operability of the mechanism. To do this, the gas lift is alternately compressed and unclenched. In case of inaccuracies in the work, it is necessary to start the installation again, taking into account all the recommendations.

In order to install gas lift yourself, you will need to take into account many nuances. If you are unsure of your actions, you should contact specialists who will perform all the work qualitatively in accordance with the instructions. In order to avoid difficulties with installation, you can order the manufacture of a bed with a lifting mechanism. This will allow you to choose the right style of furniture, its dimensions, as well as a lifting mechanism with appropriate technical characteristics.