Dolphin mechanism how to install

I am often asked to supplement the manual for making a sofa with my own hands with instructions for installing the Dolphin transformation mechanism. In the near future, such instructions will not appear on our website, and it is not so easy to write it, the mechanisms differ from different manufacturers. Here, to help, are several images of installation diagrams for this mechanism.

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What is a dolphin

Initially, the dolphin sofa transformation mechanism was used only in corner systems, where it was in great demand, since it made it possible to obtain the most spacious place to sleep. Later it was successfully used for straight varieties, including small chair-beds. It is a roll-out type, and in the case of the corner version does not require additional free space for unfolding.

It consists of two elements, one of which is located in the roll-out section, and the other in the seat. The transformation mechanism is a durable steel structure mounted on wooden guides. It works quite simply. During the unfolding process, two blocks roll out from under the seat, one of which is recessed into the other. They form a spacious mattress.

Using a system of levers and springs, one of the sections rises to the level of the other, where it is securely fixed. There are several variations of such designs, but the principle of their operation is unchanged. The durability of the product largely depends on the quality of the material from which the frame is made. If it is cheap, low-quality steel, there is a high probability that during operation it will become deformed and fail.

What about simpler?

As you can see, making and upholstering a sofa is not a big deal. Isn’t it possible to do something quicker and simpler here, to the dacha, to a new apartment? To throw on any pillows and collapse?

Sofas made from pallets

You can, the solution is called a sofa made of pallets. In general, a lot of things are made from construction pallets - pallets, including furniture, because pallets are inexpensive, seasoned wood of excellent quality.

The main thing here is taste and ingenuity. The simplest, most primitive garden sofa stack from pallets can be made much more convenient by using the principle of an Adirondack-type garden chair, on the left in Fig. It’s a little more difficult to use them to build a rustic-style pull-out sofa bed in the center. And if you press harder (with a tool, not a glass), you can get a sofa that you can’t immediately tell is from a discarded container, on the right. For example, see what a sofa was made by a seemingly completely inexperienced, but not at all stupid and not armless guy:

Video: DIY pallet sofa

Design Features

The dolphin is variable and can have many modifications. The sizes of products vary: from small transformable chairs to multi-seat corner sofas. Armrests can be made of wood, “soft” or absent altogether. Particularly in demand are models with shelves, small drawers or niches built into the armrests. There is also built-in lighting, which is not very functional, but beautiful.

Structurally, all systems are divided into three large groups:

Direct. Furniture of various sizes, folding forward. Its distinctive feature is the absence of a drawer for storing linen, since the space under the seat is occupied by a roll-out platform.
Angular. Equipped with an attached corner section. There is always a storage compartment here, which is very convenient. In some models, the angle can be changed if necessary.
Modular. It is assumed that there will be several blocks differing in size and purpose. With their help, you can assemble functional systems that are ideal for certain rooms.

Form

with its unique appearance and grace.

Popular types of backrest shapes:

rectangular with sharp corners;
tall with rounded sides;
semicircular;
in the form of a camel's hump;
channel backs;
curved headboards.

In addition, the rear frame may contain various decorative elements and drawings.

If there is an additional frame made of wood, then it may have carved designs in the form of patterns, flowers, twisted elements. The headboard must be varnished, this gives the furniture a rich, luxurious look. Depending on the modifications of the furniture, they can be straight or linear and angular.

Wooden

Metal

Curved

Semi-round

Rectangular

How the dolphin sofa unfolds

Regardless of the type of furniture, the process of transformation into a bed is the same. It is completed in three simple steps.

We remove the cushions from the seat, if they are present in this model.
We take a special loop or handle and completely roll out the lower block. In some models, a characteristic click is heard.
Lift the lower part of the module up and pull it towards you. As a result, the section rises and becomes flush with the seat, forming a berth.

To fold the structure, it is enough to do all the operations in reverse order. First you need to lower the retractable element, then roll the section into place. If there are pillows, they are placed on the furniture. If the mechanism is working properly, all manipulations are carried out without much difficulty. True, in order to lift the retractable unit you will need to make some effort. But for an adult they are insignificant.

We suggest watching a video of how a dolphin sofa is unfolded to get a complete picture of the process.

Why choose such furniture

Various variations of the roll-out dolphin are in great demand. This applies to corner models, straight ones, and modular ones. Of their most significant advantages, it is worth noting the following:

Can be used in any size room. This sofa is quite compact, but when unfolded it provides the most spacious place for sleeping. It can be installed close to the wall or at some distance from it, thereby zoning the room.
Ease of use. The transformation process is very simple. There is no need to raise the back, like for books, or unfold the blocks, like accordions. To unfold the dolphin, you just need to roll out the section and lift it to the level of the seat. True, you will have to make a small effort, which may be too much for the child.
Comfortable sleeping mattress. It will be like this if you purchase a model with high-quality assembly. Since there is a joint at the junction of the two sections, a height difference is possible, which will be felt by a person lying down. If the assembly is carried out correctly, there will be no drop and the user will receive a flat, comfortable mattress.
Reliability and durability. The dolphin mechanism in the sofa, a video review of which can easily be found on the Internet, is durable and suitable for long-term use. You just need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform all manipulations with the furniture very carefully. On average, the design can withstand at least 1000 transformation cycles. The higher the quality of the material and workmanship, the longer they will last.

Possible problems and how to solve them

The design has few significant flaws. These include the common problem for all roll-out products with the potential danger of damaging the floor covering by the rollers of the draw-out section. Therefore, if the room has laminate, parquet and similar materials, you need to make sure that the rollers are made of soft rubber or silicone. They will not damage the finish.

It is not advisable to place such a sofa on a carpeted floor. The soft cloth will interfere with rolling out the block. And if the pile is high, there is a chance that the threads will wrap around the roller axle. This will prevent them from rotating normally and will put additional unwanted stress on the frame. If it is made of low quality steel, the frame may become distorted and even break.

These are the most significant pros and cons of the design. Breakdowns are also possible, like any other furniture. To prevent them, manufacturers recommend proper care of the product. In addition to regular cleaning of the upholstery, it is planned to carry out a whole range of measures:

Cleaning transformation units from dirt and moisture. This will prevent rust and dirt from accumulating, which will interfere with the normal operation of the mechanism.
Lubrication of rubbing parts. They must move freely along the guides, otherwise the system may become deformed.
Cleaning the rollers and axles on which they are mounted from debris and lint. This is especially true for furniture that sits on carpet.

And a few more useful recommendations. No objects, even small ones, should be placed under the sofa. They can prevent the system from functioning normally. If some difficulties suddenly arise during the process of assembling or disassembling furniture, there is no need to try to complete the process at any cost. Excessive pressure, jerking and excessive force can cause moving parts to break. According to the instructions, it is best to return everything to its original position and carefully try again.

Useful tips from the master

Useful tips will be useful to every home handyman. Assembling furniture is a responsible job that needs to be taken as seriously as possible.

Inattention and haste can lead to irreparable mistakes.

After assembly, you may find that pieces of upholstery may appear in some places. To remove them, just use a stapler.
When checking the mechanism after assembly, do not make sudden movements. If the structure is not assembled correctly, serious damage may result.
If fittings or components are damaged, under no circumstances should they be used for work. You need to purchase new parts, exactly the same as those included in the package.

Anyone can assemble a sofa, so don’t be afraid of such work and tune in to a positive result.

Features of the mechanism

The type of mechanism of the dolphin sofa is a roll-out type, suitable for installation on straight and corner models. The reliability and durability of the mechanism allows the furniture to be used for daily sleep. The design is designed for high, intense loads. Most dolphin models have a niche for storing linen, which is located under the lifting corner section.

After laying out, the sleeping area becomes absolutely flat without joints or depressions, this makes the furniture comfortable for people suffering from back pain and insomnia.

The dolphin roll-out mechanism is manufactured in various modifications, which differ in the method of connection, materials, etc. However, the principle of operation remains unchanged. A set of springs and levers is installed on a frame, which easily lifts the transformable section to the seat level and is securely fixed when unfolded. The dolphin sofa is compact, roomy, suitable for installation in the bedroom or living room. When unfolded, it transforms into a large bed, the parameters of which exceed those of a double bed. Choose models in which the frame is made of solid wood, then the furniture will reliably serve for several years without deforming.

Upholstery materials

Different materials can be used to upholster a sofa structure with a low back or a high frame. The main thing is that the fabric base is highly durable, can withstand loads, and have a long service life.

Popular upholstery materials:

flock is a durable fabric that has a high density. It can withstand increased loads and is not subject to abrasion or deformation. Keeps all furniture elements in excellent condition for a long period;
Chenille is one of the most common materials used for covering the frames of upholstered furniture. It has increased density, is quite durable, and has a long service life. It is used for almost any sofa;
jacquard is an expensive fabric that is often used for upholstering sofas of all types. It has a durable base with high density. Gives furniture a rich, luxurious appearance. It is not subject to abrasion or deformation, retains its color for a long time, and does not fade in the sun;
tapestry - refers to an expensive fabric, but at the same time fully justifies all its properties. The fabric base can withstand increased loads, does not wear out, and does not deform even after repeated use. Provides long-term wear and tear of the furniture structure. Gives the sofa a rich appearance;
velor - this type of fabric has a low cost, but despite this, it is in high demand. Upholstery made from this base has a long service life and can withstand increased loads. It is quite soft to the touch, all the fibers have a delicate structure;
genuine leather - often used for products that are installed in workrooms, offices, libraries, and offices. This material is expensive, but all its qualities fully justify its high cost. Upholstered furniture is preferred by adherents of an expensive style of decorating their home, those who want to reflect their wealth and wealth;
arpatek - at first, this fabric was used for upholstery of car seats. But over time, it began to be used for upholstery of sofas. The base is distinguished by its high strength, is not subject to ruptures, abrasions, and is durable. This type of fabric does not fade, retains its shade for a long time, and does not stick to the body.

Arpatek

Velours

Tapestry

Jacquard

Genuine Leather

Flock

Chenille