Disk dampers typically consist of a stack of metal or composite
disks enclosed within a housing. When the seat's angle is adjusted,
the disks rotate relative to each other. The friction between the
disks generates a damping force that resists the movement, slowing
down the rate at which the seat angle changes. The design of the
disks, including their material, surface texture, and the number of
disks in the stack, can be customized to achieve the desired level
of damping. For example, using disks with a rougher surface or
increasing the number of disks will result in a higher damping
force.
In office chairs, disk dampers can be integrated into the recline
mechanism. As the user leans back, the disk damper ensures that the
backrest moves smoothly and stops at the desired angle without any
sudden drops. In theater seats, which often require angle
adjustment for better viewing, disk dampers provide a controlled
movement, enhancing the overall movie - watching experience. The
compact design of disk dampers makes them suitable for seats where
space is limited, such as in small - sized office cubicles or
economy - class airline seats.
Shock absorbers used in seats are designed to handle sudden impacts
and vibrations during angle adjustment. They typically work on a
hydraulic or pneumatic principle. In a hydraulic shock absorber, a
piston moves through a cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. When
the seat angle is adjusted, any sudden forces are absorbed by the
fluid's resistance to the piston's movement. The design of the
shock absorber, including the size of the piston, the diameter of
the cylinder, and the viscosity of the fluid, can be optimized for
the specific requirements of the seat.
Shock absorbers are particularly useful in seats that are subject
to more dynamic forces, such as in off - road vehicle seats or
seats in industrial machinery. In off - road vehicles, the seat may
experience sudden jolts from uneven terrain while the user is
adjusting the angle. The shock absorber dampens these jolts,
providing a more stable and comfortable seating experience. In
industrial machinery seats, where the environment may be rough and
the seat is adjusted frequently, shock absorbers help to protect
the user from the harsh vibrations and ensure smooth angle
adjustments.
Rotary dampers operate based on the principle of fluid viscosity or
magnetic - field - induced resistance. In a fluid - based rotary
damper, a viscous fluid, such as silicone oil, is enclosed within a
chamber. When the seat's angle adjustment mechanism rotates, a
piston or vane within the chamber moves through the fluid. The
viscosity of the fluid creates a resistance force, which controls
the speed of rotation and provides the soft - closing effect. In
magnetic - field - based rotary dampers, a magnetorheological fluid
is used, and the damping force can be adjusted by changing the
strength of the magnetic field.
Rotary dampers offer a high degree of customization for seat
applications. The damping force can be easily adjusted to suit
different seat designs and user preferences. For example, in a high
- end office chair, the rotary damper can be calibrated to provide
a very smooth and gentle soft - closing effect, while in a more
heavy - duty industrial seat, a stronger damping force may be
required. The ability to bidirectionally control the rotation makes
rotary dampers suitable for seats that need to be adjusted in both
forward and backward directions, such as in some medical
examination chairs.
All three types of dampers - disk dampers, shock absorbers, and
rotary dampers - are designed to provide a soft - closing effect
for seats with angle - adjustment features. They all contribute to
enhancing user comfort, safety, and the longevity of the seat
components. Additionally, they can be customized to meet the
specific requirements of different seat applications, whether it's
a small office chair or a large industrial seat.
Disk dampers are mainly based on friction between disks, making
them relatively simple in construction and suitable for
applications where space is limited. Shock absorbers are more
focused on handling sudden impacts and vibrations, making them
ideal for seats in rough - terrain vehicles or industrial
machinery. Rotary dampers offer a high degree of adjustability and
can operate based on fluid viscosity or magnetic - field - induced
resistance, providing a more versatile solution for a wide range of
seat types.
Disk dampers, shock absorbers, and rotary dampers are essential
components for seats that require angle adjustment. Their soft -
closing mechanisms not only enhance the comfort and safety of the
users but also protect the seat components from wear and tear. By
understanding the working principles and applications of these
dampers, seat designers and manufacturers can make informed
decisions to create seats that offer optimal performance. Whether
it's in an office, a vehicle, or a medical facility, these dampers
play a crucial role in improving the overall seating experience. If
you are involved in seat design, manufacturing, or improvement,
consider exploring the potential of these dampers to take your seat
products to the next level. Reach out to our team of experts to
learn more about how these dampers can be customized to meet your
specific needs.