BRODA Elite Chairs
25
7.2
Trouble Shooting for Cylinders
The use of gas charged springs on Broda products allow the caregiver to easily make adjustments to the tilt, recline,
and leg rest with a minimum amount of effort. The gas cylinders contain Nitrogen gas, it is not flammable nor is it
toxic. The cylinders provide a lifting force of 300 Newtons (approx. 68 Lbs). In other words the cylinders reduce the
amount of weight the care giver has to lift by 68Lbs.
How do they work?
On the end of the stem of the cylinder is a small pin. When the operator depresses the handle, this pulls on
the cable which in turn pulls on a small lever inside the actuator mechanism into which the stem of the
cylinder is mounted. This depresses the pin, which in turn opens a valve located inside the barrel of the
cylinder. This allows for changes in position. When the operator releases the handle the valve closes and
locks the cylinder in the desired position.
Over the years Broda has used many different types of actuators to operate the gas cylinders used on our
products. Although they may look different their function is one and the same (to push against the pin and
open the valve that controls the cylinder). If the cylinder is not properly adjusted when mounted in the
actuator, the cylinder may not function properly.
Maintenance
The gas cylinders do not require any maintenance, although they may need to be adjusted due to wide
temperature variations or cable stretch.
When adjusting the cylinder it is important that you do not damage the stem on the cylinder. Small scratches left
by applying the jaws of pliers or Vice Grips directly to the shaft while making adjustments will destroy the seal
and allow the gas inside the cylinder to escape. Use a piece of vinyl strapping or rubber to protect the cylinder
shaft from the jaws of the tool you are using to make the adjustments.
Trouble shooting
:
Often when experiencing problems with cylinders on Broda chairs, the cylinder is not damaged, it just needs
adjustment. There are two common adjustments.
1.
The pin that the cable handle pulls on at the end of the cylinder is not connected correctly.
2.
Or the handle or cable assembly have become broken or disconnected.
The cable mechanism works exactly like a bicycle brake and is easy to check when experiencing problems.
Other solutions to common problems are listed below.
1.
Chair is not reclining or tilting when cylinder handle is pulled.
a.
The pin in the end of the cylinder is not being depressed when the handle is pulled.
Action to take:
See adjustment steps
2.
The chair seems to slowly slide out of position
a.
The pin in the end of the cylinder may be still partially depressed.
Action to take:
See adjustment steps.
Adjustment Steps