Electric Recliner Actuator Design Tool

Three independent recliner actuator calculators

A recliner does not use one mechanical model for every moving section. The backrest and footrest rotate about hinges, so their actuator force and stroke depend on changing leverage throughout the movement. The headrest slides along straight guides on the backrest, so its used actuator travel matches the requested headrest adjustment at a direct 1:1 ratio.

• Backrest: enter the upright and reclined angles, the supported occupant load, and both actuator-pin locations.
• Footrest: enter the stowed and raised angles, supported leg load, and the chair-frame and moving footrest pins.
• Headrest: enter the adjustment along the backrest, complete moving load and measured guide resistance. Actuator space is sized automatically for the selected model.

How actuator fitting works

Each section has its own actuator family, stroke and force/model selectors. Use Only use this model when an actuator family is already chosen, and Only use this stroke when the stroke must remain fixed. The Fit actuator button respects those locks and searches only within the permitted choices.

The selected FIRGELLI actuator drawing is shown at scale in the animation. For the hinged sections, fitting can adjust the mounting pins to align full actuator travel with the entered end angles. For the headrest, the entered adjustment remains exact; configure actuator travel limits when the selected catalogue stroke is longer.

Recliner construction and safety

The calculator sizes the actuator movement and force for the entered idealized mechanism. The chair frame, pivots, guides, cross-members, synchronization, hard stops, wiring, upholstery clearance, pinch-point guards and occupant safety require independent engineering verification. Keep the actuator axially loaded and use rigid brackets at both mounting pins.