Dolphin mechanism in sofas: diagram and detailed description

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?

The dolphin-like mechanism gets its name from the fact that the unfolding process is similar to the diving of this marine mammal.
Dolphin refers to removable mechanisms. In this design, the second half of the “mattress” is located under the seat. And when it needs to be opened, the drawer moves forward, the lower part rises to the level of the upper one.

Cot

Includes the following types of sofa transformation: American and French. They have some differences, but are similar in that the assembled sleeping area is located under the seat.

French view

Mechanism: the seat must be pulled towards you and then up, after which the folded sofa must be “unfolded”. Before doing this, you need to remove the pillows.

Pros:

When folded, it takes up little space.
When unfolded, it has a fairly large sleeping area.

American look ("sedaflex")

Mechanism: unfolds similarly to the French mechanism, but there is no need to remove the headrest; it will move to the desired position on its own.

pros

Design Features

The dolphin is variable and can have many modifications. Product sizes vary: from small transformable chairs to multi-seat corner sofas. Armrests can be wooden, “soft” or completely absent. Models with shelves built into armrests, drawers or niches are especially in demand. There is also a built-in backlight, it is not very functional, but pleasant.

Structurally, all systems are divided into three large groups:

Straight. Folding front furniture in various sizes. Its distinctive feature is the absence of a drawer for storing linen, since the space under the seat is occupied by a folding platform.
Corner. Equipped with an attached corner section. There is always a storage compartment, which is very convenient. In some models, the angle can be changed if necessary.
Modular. It is assumed that there are several blocks, varying in size and purpose. They can be used to assemble functional systems that are ideal for specific conditions.

Varieties

The folding mechanism can be installed in sofas of various modifications. “Dolphin” is installed in both rectangular and corner models. Let's take a closer look at what their main distinguishing features are.

Straight

A straight sofa, the design of which includes a roll-out type of folding, is a popular modification of upholstered furniture. Similar designs are found in many apartments and private houses. They are presented in a huge assortment. Typically, straight sofas are placed near one of the free walls in the room.

A direct transformer can have a variety of dimensions. On sale you can find both mini-format models and larger and more spacious options designed for a spacious room. The furniture design can be made both without armrests and with them.

Angular

Fashionable corner sofas are especially popular these days. Such furniture not only looks solid, expensive and modern, but is also very easy to use. Many companies supply corner sofas to furniture showrooms, which indicates the richness of their assortment.

An extendable corner sofa is an excellent solution for almost any home. There are L-shaped or U-shaped options. The first ones are intended for installation in a free corner of the room. This way, they remain functional without taking up unnecessary space. If we are talking about modern U-shaped models, then they are usually installed only in spacious rooms of sufficient square footage. These designs are not suitable for too cramped and modest areas.

Modular

Practical and comfortable modular sofas are no less popular today. Such designs can consist of several sofa chairs and separate sections. You can do almost anything with modular models. The user can easily disassemble the furniture structure and give it a completely different shape. The size and type of such products primarily depend on their elements. The number of the latter varies depending on the specific sofa model.

Pros and cons of the dolphin mechanism

This is a sofa in which the second part of the sleeping area is located under the base. If necessary, it moves forward and then stands up again, positioning itself at the same level as the sofa seat.

The advantages include the following:

Compactness. A sofa equipped with such a mechanism is smaller in size than “books” and “Eurobooks” and is ideal for a small living room or bedroom.
It can be installed directly on the wall. This is another advantage over the aforementioned mechanisms, which must be constantly pushed to reveal.
Durable and long service life. These sofas are suitable for everyday use.
Convenience. The sleeping area is smooth and without gaps, which ensures a comfortable sleep.
Easy to use. Even a child can unfold the sofa.
Large selection of models for every taste. You can find both spacious corner options and small straight ones.

But it is worth remembering that these features are inherent in high-quality models. Otherwise, the mechanism will quickly wear out, and you can completely forget about convenience.

The disadvantages of the mechanism include:

Possibility of damage to the road surface. Frequent opening may scratch the floor. If you place the sofa on the carpet, it will be difficult for the wheels to move;
Lack of linen drawer. As a rule, such sofas are not equipped with additional drawers, but you can find some models in which they are located;

The controversial issue is the seat height. This sofa is definitely not suitable for a child’s room because it is too high. It will also be uncomfortable for short people to sit on.

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.

How the dolphin sofa unfolds

Most likely, the promotion process will not cause you any difficulties, because even a child can handle it. But before you buy a sofa, still go to the store and compare different mechanisms. You should choose the one that seems most convenient and simple.

The sofa is developed in three stages:

Pull the bottom forward. Make sure it has moved completely.
Lift the mattress and pull it towards you, then up.
Place the removed part horizontally at the level of the sofa seat. The springs will lock and the sleeping area will be ready.

If your sofa has a laundry drawer, you'll need to remove your laundry first.

To return the sofa to its folded state, you need to repeat all the steps in reverse order:

Using the fabric strap, lift the mattress and apply pressure.
When the mattress is on the platform, roll it under the base of the sofa.

Make sure that the handle remains on the outside, otherwise the sofa will be difficult to open.

Build process

To find out what a dolphin sofa looks like, just take a photo. But it’s better to understand its features and watch the assembly and disassembly process on video. For a layout option for a corner model with an ottoman, see:

Manufacturing materials

In the production of sofas with a dolphin transformation mechanism, various materials are used: wood or metal for the structure, padding, fabric for upholstery.

Frame

Upholstered furniture is always based on strong and reliable frames. The best hardwoods are used in their production: ash, beech, walnut, oak. These cases are particularly persistent. Pine and birch are cheaper and lower quality wood, which allows furniture to be made at a lower cost, but such structures can fail over time.

Glued laminated timber is used in the manufacture of side walls. The quality of a wooden case is determined by its perfectly smooth surface. More convenient are chipboard, MDF, chipboard, plywood, but these materials wear out and deform faster.

Sofas made from chipboard should be chosen carefully, as they may contain harmful formaldehyde.

The metal frame also has good technical characteristics. They have high strength, durability and fire resistance. However, their heavy weight makes them impractical to use.

Chipboard sheets

MDF panels

Chipboard sheets

Wooden frame

Metal body

Types of fillers

The quality of the filler determines how comfortable it will be to sleep on the sofa.

For these purposes, the following types of materials are used:

foam;
polyurethane foam;
durafilo;
holofiber;
fibrous structure;
Periotec;
latex;
had tried;
synthetic winter.

Latex has the best characteristics. It is durable (20 years), has orthopedic properties, does not cause allergies, but is too expensive.

Polyurethane foam with a density of at least 30 kg/m3, holofiber, stratofiber, periotek, and durafil have good performance. These materials retain their shape, are quite elastic and adapt to the contours of the human body. Their properties last for 10 years.

Foam rubber will delight you with its convenience, but will last up to 5 years. Over time, it turns into dust, loses its elasticity, and also accumulates dust.

Synthetic winterizer and felt are used only in combination with other fillers when creating multi-layer mattresses. The fact is that the first sample is too soft; it quickly loses volume, curling up into lumps. Felt holds its shape well due to its high density, but has excessive rigidity.

Spring mattresses should be placed in a separate group.

The Bonel system is considered inexpensive, but its orthopedic properties are weak. The spiral elements are combined into a single whole, so the mattress responds to loads over a large area. Also, metal parts make a squeaking sound when they come into contact with each other.
Independent spring locking is ideal for everyday sleep. Each spiral is enclosed in a lid, which eliminates the appearance of extraneous sounds. This design ensures the correct position of the body during night rest. But a quality product will not be cheap.

When deciding which putty is best to choose, you should consider the purpose of the sofa. If the model serves as a permanent place to sleep, it is better to give preference to a filler with orthopedic properties. If upholstered furniture is used from time to time, a simpler option is suitable.

Upholstery - which one to choose

When choosing upholstery, first of all, you need to pay attention to durability, maintenance requirements, tendency to stretch, fade, stretch, and material composition. And then look at the color and texture.

Manufacturers offer a lot of varieties, so it won’t be difficult to decide.

A rug is a good option. It has an interesting texture, woven from natural fibers, painted in neutral shades, but a little rough. The cover is easy to clean. For these purposes, use a vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge. Cons: burns when exposed to the sun, is afraid of high temperatures and sharp objects.
Velor is soft, pleasant to the touch, available in a wide range of colors, and elastic. Disadvantages: fluff is lost in areas of heavy load, the fabric actively attracts dust and small debris, and absorbs odors.
Chenille is stronger and more durable than previous samples, which affects the price. Gives a pleasant feeling when in contact with the body, does not fade and keeps its shape well. Weaknesses: tendency to form balls, easily absorbed, but low in moisture.
Cotton is ideal for children's models. Charming with its bright colors, it is breathable, absorbs moisture, dries quickly and does not cause allergies. Cons: short duration of action, low strength, rapid loss of shape and color.
Flock is a budget option with decent performance. It is durable, elastic, comes in a wide range of colors and is easy to care for. Weak points include: accumulation of dust and foreign odors, loss of lint.
Thanks to the special weaving of threads, jacquard is very durable. It is lightfast, elongated, but difficult to care for. The fabric does not tolerate contact with water well, so only dry cleaning is allowed. Disadvantages: slippery surface, high cost.
Scotchgard is treated with special compounds. Thanks to this, it acquires increased resistance to dirt, repels dust particles, and does not absorb liquids. Other advantages: ease of care, durability, durability, softness.
Genuine leather will last for many years; over time, the surface will acquire an even more noble appearance, and light abrasions will not spoil it at all. However, natural leather requires special care, has a limited selection of shades and is expensive. The surface of the sofa is too slippery, in hot weather it sticks to the body, creating a greenhouse effect.
Faux leather is much cheaper, available in a wide range of colors, has a variety of textures and is easy to care for. It has the same unpleasant characteristics as the previous sample, and is also sensitive to mechanical stress.

When choosing a coating, take into account the installation location and purpose of the product, frequency of use, and the overall color scheme of the interior.

Equipment

A linen niche with insufficient storage space can be one of the determining factors. This option is only available in corner models. The large drawer is in the pouf. Thanks to its impressive size, it can accommodate not only bedding, but also rarely used items.

The niches organized in the armrests are more modest in size. They are not so convenient, since access to the lower things is difficult.

Shapes and sizes

A sofa with a dolphin transformation mechanism can have a straight or angular configuration.

Models of the first type are compact, easily fit into small spaces, but do not have space for storing things.

Their parameters are represented by the following numbers:

width - 200 cm;
total depth - 105 cm, seat - 60 cm;
back height about 90 cm, seat height 45 cm;
sleeping place with an area of 130-150x190 cm.

Single models have more modest parameters, the mooring length is from 160 to 190 cm, and the width is from 80 to 120 cm.

For spacious rooms, it is better to choose a sofa with a dolphin corner mechanism. The product will have more seating, contain a laundry basket and have a function for changing the angle of inclination. Such drawings are presented in 2 versions: in the form of the letter “G” and “P”.

The standard corner configuration model has the following dimensions:

main part - 252x112 cm;
pouf - 92x172;
corner module - 112x112 cm;
The width of the retractable part can vary from 140 to 220 cm.

With armrests, without armrests

Sofas with a dolphin transformation system can have the following armrest options:

With two armrests - on standard straight sofas.
With or without armrests - most often for corner sofas. Less often - for “classic” interior models.

In some models, the armrests can be replaced with a small table or shelf for storing books and magazines.

Upholstered furniture that opens using the Dolphin mechanism is a practical solution for those who value saving space and ease of use. Thanks to the variety of options, everyone can choose the right option for their interior.

Straight, angular, modular

Very often in furniture stores you can find the following three types of sofas with a “dolphin” mechanism:

Angular. It can be placed in the corner of the room or used as a zoning element. This sofa can comfortably sleep two to four people overnight. It has a spacious laundry room

Straight. The range includes both standard double models and compact models, ideal for completing a living room, bachelor apartment or children's bedroom. These models do not have built-in drawers for storing pastel linens, which must be taken into account when planning your living space.

Modular. Build a model of the desired shape and capacity according to your needs. All this is possible thanks to replaceable modules.

Modifications

When choosing a folding sofa that has a roll-out “dolphin” transformation mechanism, you should carefully study the possibilities and features inherent in various designs.

Today in furniture stores you can find a large number of sofas with a sleeping place, and particularly picky buyers will be able to choose an option such as an orthopedic sofa, which will provide a significantly greater level of sleep comfort. A special feature of this design is the presence at the base of the sleeping block of a lattice made of special wooden elements called armor. Thanks to them, as well as the presence of a block of independent springs, the weight of the sleeper is distributed most evenly, contributing to the treatment and prevention of spinal diseases.

Another design feature of the sofa bed is the presence of a storage capacity. The “dolphin” corner sofa models familiar to customers are available with an ottoman, or, as it is commonly called, a banquette. It is under it that there is a linen drawer, a convenient place for storing bedding. In straight models there is no such capacity, since the space under the seat is occupied by a folding platform.

Also, sofa models differ significantly in their sizes. Manufacturers take into account the need to equip both small one-room apartments and spacious halls of hotels or offices. Mini-sofas with a dolphin mechanism can be placed in the kitchen or hallway. Moreover, for the convenience of customers, models without armrests have been created that take up very little space.

Colors

Modern corner sofas come in a variety of sizes. Larger designs will decorate a large living room, while smaller ones will save space in a small studio apartment or kitchen. The width of the folding bed is usually 180-200 cm. The bed is quite suitable for proper rest for one or two people.

The colors of sofas can be very different. Popular this season:

warm beige, peach, pink, milky tones;
shades of turquoise, young green:
shades of olive, blue, burgundy.

Classic colors are always in fashion - black, white, gray. Such models look great against light walls and can be complemented with bright pillows and accessories. A living room with a black Dolphin sofa will be elegant and discreet. Elegant furniture with leather upholstery will add respectability to the room.

A comfortable sofa bed will be an ideal purchase for a small apartment or private house. Thanks to the variety of body materials, upholstery, and fillings, you can choose a model that suits any interior. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the transformation mechanisms, on which the practicality and durability of the furniture depends.

Armrests

The shape of the armrests depends on the overall design of the sofa. Minimalistic models have rectangular palm rests. In more fancy products they have rounded outlines.

By design, there are soft and hard armrests.

The first contain filler and are covered with upholstery on top.
Rigid elements are made of wood or high-quality plastic.

Corner sofas can be equipped with a system of shelves that will allow you to keep the necessary little things at hand.

A folding sofa bed with a dolphin mechanism is a strong and durable design. The product will serve faithfully for many years if you follow simple rules when choosing.

Make sure the transformation happens without problems.
Test the degree of comfort by lying down on the sofa.
See how quickly the filler is restored after the load is removed.
Check for a certificate confirming the use of safe and reliable materials.
Evaluate the quality of the upholstery.

Possible problems and how to solve them

The design has several significant flaws. These include a problem common to all roll-out products, with the potential for the floor covering to be damaged by the roll-out section rollers. 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. A soft cloth will prevent the block from rolling out. And if the stack is high, there is a chance that the threads will wrap around the roller axis. This will prevent them from rotating normally and will create additional unwanted stress on the frame. If it is made of poor quality steel, the frame may warp 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 upholstery cleaning, a number of activities are planned:

Cleaning transformers from dirt and moisture. This will prevent the accumulation of rust and dirt, 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 the axles on which they are attached from debris and fluff. This is especially true for furniture that sits on carpeted floors.

And some more useful tips.

No objects, even small ones, should be placed under the sofa. They may interfere with the correct operation of the system.
If difficulties suddenly arise during the process of assembling or disassembling furniture, then there is no need to try to complete the process at any cost.
Excessive pressure, jerking and excessive force can damage moving parts. According to the instructions, it is best to return everything to its original position and carefully try again.

Recommendations for selection

The main thing that determines the durability of a dolphin sofa is the frame. Some manufacturers, in order to save money, reduce the cost of the product by using thin steel, which quickly deteriorates from everyday use. If the frame is solid and all structural elements are made at the factory, you can be sure that the sofa will serve for many years without complaints.

Dolphin is one of the most reliable transformation options, suitable for every day. But with a reliable frame.

Another important nuance is content. All sofas are divided into two types:

Spring loaded. The right solution for daily sleep, 100% replacement of an orthopedic mattress. There are dependent and independent spring locks. The first, like Bonnell, is cheap and of poor quality. The second has a wide range in prices: more convenient, durable.
Without spring. Moreover, the entire internal space is occupied by polyurethane foam and other layers, such as coconut, memory foam, felt, padding polyester. Polyurethane foam can compete with springs and is also great for sleeping, but can slip over time due to constant pressure.

Many buyers prioritize the outer shell over the internal components. Of course, the appearance of upholstered furniture is also important. First, decide on the upholstery fabric:

Mat. A textured fabric made almost entirely of natural fibers. The rug is inexpensive, has a wide range of colors, but is rarely painted in bright colors. These are mostly light, dark or pastel neutral shades. The surface tends to stretch, so the fabric is not suitable for families with pets.
Velvet. Soft fabric with pleasant pile. The color scheme depends on the manufacturer and the specific line, but choosing the right shade is usually not difficult. Almost insensitive to puffs, but animal hair will collect on the surface: especially if the sofa is dark.
Chenille. Low pile fabric. More durable, reliable than rug or velvet. But at the same time more expensive. The surface does not stretch, does not fade, does not wrinkle - the product will retain its original appearance for a long time.
Leather. Natural or artificial has both advantages and disadvantages. Pros: leather furniture is durable and easy to care for. The disadvantages include relative discomfort in the heat - you sweat, you will cling to the sofa. In addition, sleeping on a leather surface is extremely uncomfortable.

There are also jacquard, flock, tapestry, velvet, suede and other upholstery fabric options. For more detailed information about their properties, please contact a consultant at the selected store.

Give preference to fabrics with Easy Clean impregnation if: the sofa will be in the office between the kitchen and the living room, there are small children and pets in the house, you need the lightest possible upholstery.

The last important point: shape. Straight lines do not take up much space, suitable for small apartments or rooms. The corners are more massive, but more comfortable: firstly, they are equipped with a drawer for linen, and secondly, they have more seating space. The corner sofa on the side can be equipped with regular armchairs with a backrest or a pouf with an armrest.

The dolphin mechanism is a practical option for daily sleep. Most importantly, do not forget to check the reliability of the design - excessive savings can cause rapid wear of the mechanism.

How to choose a quality model

The choice of a quality sofa should be approached in detail. Before purchasing a model, you must consider the following characteristics:

Dimensions. Dolphin sofas are suitable for apartments of different sizes. Accurately measuring the corner of the room will allow you to fit the sofa perfectly.
Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the frame is made. The best sofas are made of metal and natural wood - beech, pine, oak.
Upholstery. Choose a fabric that is durable, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Popular materials made from a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers: microfiber, chenille, flock, jacquard.
The practicality of Dolphin corner sofas is an important quality that should be assessed when choosing. Before purchasing, you should sit and lie on it, making sure there are no creaks or flaws. All elements when unfolded should fit perfectly together without height differences. Be sure to check the functionality of the transformation mechanism, try to disassemble and reassemble it. Make sure the platform rollers are rubberized or silicone coated to prevent scratching the floor.
Design. When choosing the shade of furniture, you need to take into account the style of the room and its color scheme.

You should not buy upholstered furniture at low prices in dubious places - there is a risk of purchasing low-quality counterfeit items.

Maintaining upholstered furniture, regularly cleaning it from dust, and lubricating moving parts will maintain a pleasant appearance for a long time. Your favorite sofa will become a comfortable place for a pleasant family rest and sleep.

Fabric combination

You can decorate your windows in an original way using a combination of different fabrics. There are a large number of options on how to correctly arrange materials to create stylish curtains for the living room.

For example, you can achieve an antique look by making curtains from two layers of thin fabric.

The first layer should cover the window opening, and the second should be divided into several parts using ribbons, cords or decorative rings.

Roman blinds in the living room

Roman blinds look presentable in the living room. It is advisable that the fabric is not too bright. Patterns that can be additionally decorated with beads or rhinestones are allowed.

Cornices for Roman blinds are equipped with rotor-chain mechanisms. The types of cornices depend on the severity of the canvas itself.

The best manufacturers and models

The best sofas will be those made from durable wood or plywood rather than extruded materials. The better the quality of the housing, the lower the risk of loosening the bolts.

The most popular and high-quality models can be found from well-known Russian manufacturers. Most of all, buyers trust the products of Anderssen, Rival, Tria, Pinskdrev, Mebel-Holding. These companies have existed on the market for more than ten years, are engaged in the production of furniture and upholstered furniture, and provide guarantees for all types of products.

There are several reputable companies that have been in the market for many years.

If you need a non-standard size or additional options for the main frame, you should order furniture according to individual drawings. This will allow you to independently adjust the choice of materials and mechanisms.

Upholstery

Of course, the sofa should be in harmony with the interior of the kitchen

Therefore, you should pay special attention to the upholstery, since now the market is replete with various materials and colors.

Different fabrics have unique properties that affect the quality of the sofa and its resistance to dirt: grease, crumbs. Agree, it will be very problematic to remove stains from the upholstery. According to buyers, the most practical material is flock.

For connoisseurs of frequent changes, modular sofas were developed - structures consisting of individual parts that, if desired, can be combined into one. There are no unnecessary difficulties when assembling and disassembling such models, so anyone can change the appearance of their kitchen.

At the moment, one of the most unusual models of sofas is the bench sofa. The main feature of this model is the ability to easily transform - in order for the sofa to become a sleeping place, you need to pull the backrest towards you. Then it will become a frame on which the mattress can be placed.