See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/237627535

Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs -FNEW 83-269: A

Description of the Test Method with Drawings

Article · December 2010

CITATIONS READS

6 1,066

2 authors, including:

Yusuf Ziya Erdil

Mugla Üniversitesi
120 PUBLICATIONS 1,050 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Yusuf Ziya Erdil on 07 January 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 FNR-179
Purdue University
Forestry and Natural Resources
Furniture Manufacturing

Performance Test Method for Intensive

Use Chairs –FNEW 83-269:
A Description of the Test Method with Drawings
By Carl A. Eckelman and Yusuf Z. Erdil

1. Introduction information both about the test method and the construc-
tion of the equipment needed to carry out the tests. This
In 1978-79, the Wood Research Laboratory, a part of document was prepared in order to make this information
the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources of readily available to the furniture industry, and, in particu-
Purdue University, was asked by the General Services lar, to provide detailed drawings of the test equipment.
Administration of the Federal Government to develop
performance tests for intensive use task chairs. At the 2. Overview of Test Method
time, these tests were to be used by the General Service
Administration in its furniture procurement programs to This test method describes procedures for evaluating
qualify chairs that were to be used by air traffic control- performance characteristics of intensive use chairs.
lers. The resulting standard, FNEW83-269, has been in Intensive use chairs are designed to be used 24 hours per
use since the early1980’s. Although its purpose was to day in a severe use environment.
evaluate the fitness for use of what were essentially very A chair is subjected to one or more loads that are
heavy-duty office chairs in specified use environments, applied to the seat, back, arms, or legs at selected
the method of test has also proven to be a valuable aid in positions at a rate of twenty cycles per minute. The test
the engineering design of general purpose office chairs. is continued at this load level until 25,000 cycles have
It has, for example, been used for such wide-ranging been completed. Loads are then increased by a given
purposes as evaluating new tilt mechanism designs; load increment and the test continued for another 25,000
evaluating new joint constructions and new fasteners; and cycles. This process is repeated until some part of the
evaluating new materials of construction. Most impor- chair suffers disabling damage or a desired level of
tantly, it has provided a method of test that yields performance has been achieved. The performance rating
information that can be incorporated into the product of the chair is taken as the highest load level it was able
engineering process. to successfully complete 25,000 cycles.

The equipment needed to conduct the tests is relatively 3. Definitions

inexpensive, simple, foolproof, and easily maintained. It
can be constructed from readily available materials 3.1 Disabling Damage
without precision machining. Furthermore, the simple- Damage to the chair or component that is sufficiently
joint systems used allow the load heads to follow the great to prevent the chair or component from performing
complex motions of the various parts of the furniture and its intended functions or would in any way cause per-
re-index into the proper position at the end of each load sonal injury to the occupant or bystanders.
cycle—a degree of freedom of movement that is difficult
to obtain with such simple low cost equipment. 3.2 Acceptance Level
Largely as a result of its value as an aid to engineering The performance level required to pass the test.
design and the simplicity of the equipment needed to
conduct the tests, there has been a steady demand for

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service • West Lafayette, Indiana

 FNR-179

3.3 Test Platform 4.1.2 Test Set-Up

The work surface, floor, or table on which the unit to Testing is carried out in the testing machine frame as
be tested is placed during testing. shown in Figure 1. The entire chair is mounted on a test
platform by means of chain hold-downs to prevent the
3.4 Structural Breakage chair from sliding backwards or overturning. A small
The failure of any structural component that carries chain binder is used to provide enough tension on each
load or restricts motion. chain to hold the chair in place. A front to back load is
applied to the back of the chair by means of an air
4. Description of Tests cylinder. Loads are applied at a point 16 inches above
the seat, or, to the top of the back if the back is lower
4.1 Cyclic Back and Back Tilt than 16 inches. The load is applied in such a manner that
Mechanism Fatigue Test for Chairs with it is normal to the plane of the back at the most rearward
position. A length of strap, chain, or rope may be looped
Spring Type Tension Controls around the backrest of the chair to provide a means of
4.1.1 Summary of Method connecting the air cylinder to the chair. The strap (or,
chain, etc.) is then attached to the rod-end of the air
The cyclic back and back tilt mechanism fatigue test
cylinder by means of a small clevis. The air cylinder
for intensive use chairs consists of subjecting the backs
itself is attached to the main testing machine frame by
of the chairs to repeated front to back loads to evaluate
means of an air cylinder attachment assembly.
the resistance of the back system.
Instead of pulling backward on the backrest as just
described, loads may be applied to the front surface of
the backrest in a front to back direction by means of a
backrest load frame as shown in Figure 2.

4.1.3 Procedures
The tilt mechanism shall be
adjusted so that the top of the back
moves 4 inches +/-1 inch rearward
under the action of a 40-pound load.
The test is carried out at a 50-pound
load level at 20 cycles per minute and
is continued until the back or tilt
mechanism suffers disabling damage
or until the required acceptance level
is achieved.

4.2 Cyclic Increasing Back

Load Test
4.2.1 Summary of Method
This test consists of applying cyclic
front to back loads to the backrest of
the chair—which simulates the action
of a user leaning backwards. The test
can be carried out with the same
equipment used in the cyclic back and
back tilt mechanism fatigue test (4.1).
In this test, however, cyclic stepped
loads are used to evaluate the strength
of the back system.

Figure 1. Cyclic back and back tilt mechanism test.

2
 FNR-179

4.2.2 Test Set-Up 4.2.3 Procedures

The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as If the chair uses a spring type tension control, the
shown in Figure 1. The chair is secured to the test control is adjusted to its loosest position. If the chair uses
platform with a length of chain looped twice around the an air cylinder or other mechanism that locks the chair
base. A small chain binder is used to provide sufficient inclination in a fixed position, the control is adjusted to
tension on the chain to hold the chair in place. Front to the far backward position. The test is started at the 75-
back loads are applied to the back of the chair by means pound load level with the load increased in increments of
of an air cylinder. Loads are applied at a point 16 inches 25 pounds after 25,000 cycles have been completed at
above the seat, or, to the top of the back if the back is each preceding load level. Testing continues until some
lower than 16 inches. The load is applied in such a type of disabling damage occurs or the chair meets the
manner that it is normal to the plane of the back when the required acceptance level.
back is at its most rearward position. A length of strap (a
chain or rope may also be used) is looped around the 4.3 Cyclic Pneumatic Back Tilt or Seat
backrest of the chair to provide a structure for attaching Inclination Adjustment Mechanism Test
the rod of the air cylinder to the chair. The rod end of the
air cylinder is then attached to the strap by means of a 4.3.1 Summary of Method
small clevis. The air cylinder itself is attached to the This test evaluates the fatigue strength of the back tilt
main testing machine frame by means of an air cylinder or seat inclination adjustment system by testing each one
attachment assembly. Instead of pulling backward on the of these systems individually.
backrest as just described, loads may be applied to the
front surface of the backrest in a front to back direction 4.3.2 Test Set-Up
by means of a backrest load frame as shown in Figure 2. A. Seat Inclination Adjustment Mechanism Test: The
test is carried out in the testing machine frame as shown
in Figure 3. The chair is secured to the test platform with
a length of chain looped twice around
the base. A small chain binder is used
to provide sufficient tension on the
chain to hold the chair in place. An
air cylinder is attached to the main
frame in a vertical direction directly
above the seat of the chair. The rod
end of the cylinder is attached to a
50-pound weight by means of a short
length of chain. The length of the
chain is chosen so that the cylinder is
able to lift the weight off the seat
when air is applied to the cylinder, or
to allow the 50-pound weight to rest
on the seat, free of support, when air
is not applied.
A small cylinder is then clamped in
a vertical position to the arm of the
chair, Figure 3. The rod end of this
cylinder is attached to the seat
inclination adjustment lever by means
of a length of small chain. This
cylinder is used to activate the seat
inclination adjustment mechanism.
B. Back Inclination Adjustment
Mechanism Test: The test is carried
out in the testing machine frame as
Figure 2. Alternative set-up for cyclic back and back tilt mechanism test.

3
 FNR-179

shown in Figure 4. The chair is secured to the test point of support for the cylinder in much the same
platform with a length of chain looped twice around the manner as an arm provides support.
base. A small chain binder is used to provide sufficient
tension on the chain to hold the chair in place. Front to 4.3.3 Procedures
back loads are applied to the back of the chair by means If a chair has a pneumatic back tilt or pneumatic seat
of an air cylinder. Front to back loads are applied at a inclination adjustment mechanism, each is tested. The
point 16 inches above the seat, or, to the top of the back if test uses a four-part cycle as follows:
the back is lower than 16 inches. The load is applied in A. A 50-pound load is applied to the seat (seat inclina-
such a manner that it is normal to the plane of the back tion test) or back (back inclination test) normal to the
when the back is at its most rearward position. A length plane of the seat, or, to the plane of the back. The load is
of strap (a chain or rope may also be used) is looped applied to the seat or back at that location that will most
around the backrest of the chair to provide a point of easily cause the seat or back to tilt when the tilt activator
attachment for the rod end of the air cylinder on the chair. is operated.
The rod end of the air cylinder is then attached to the
B. The load is removed.
strap by means of a small clevis. The air cylinder itself is
attached to the main testing machine frame by means of C. The load is reapplied and the adjustment mechanism
an air cylinder attachment assembly. is activated while the chair is under load.
A small cylinder is then clamped in a vertical position D. The load is removed—while the adjustment
to the arm of the chair, Figure 4. The rod end of this mechanism remains activated—until the seat or back
cylinder is attached to the back inclination adjustment mechanism returns to its normal position. Once the
lever by means of a length of small chain. This cylinder normal position is reached, the adjustment mechanism is
is used to activate the back inclination adjustment deactivated.
mechanism. In those cases where the chair has no arm, a The complete cycle is repeated at a rate of 5 cycles per
bracket must be clamped to the seat that will provide a minute. The test is continued until some part of the
adjustment system malfunctions or the
chair meets the required acceptance
level.

4.4 Cyclic Vertical Load

Test on One Arm
4.4.1 Summary of Method
The vertical arm test is set up to
evaluate the resistance of chair to
vertical loads exerted on the arm as
occur, for example, when a user
pushes on the arm while sitting down
or getting up, or, when a user actually
sits on the arm. This test not only
evaluates the strength of the arm and
arm assembly, it also evaluates the
strength of the chair spindle.

4.4.2. Test Set-Up

The test is carried out in the testing
machine frame as shown in Figure 5.
The chair is secured to the test
platform with a length of chain looped
twice around the base. A small chain
binder is used to provide sufficient
tension on the chain to hold the chair
Figure 3. Test set-up for seat inclination adjustment test.

4
 FNR-179

in place. Vertical loads are applied at the approximate 4.5.1 Summary of Method
center or front edge of either arm by means of an air This test is used to evaluate the strength of the chair
cylinder. A length of strap or chain is looped around the when side thrust loads are applied to an arm. Such loads
arm and then attached to the rod-end of the air cylinder occur when the user sits down or gets up from the chair,
by means of a clevis, Figure 5. The air cylinder itself is or when the chair is pulled or pushed sideways.
attached, in a vertical position, to a cross pipe in the
main frame by means of an air cylinder attachment 4.5.2 Test Set-Up
assembly. Details of the strap or chain attachment and The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as
cylinder attachment assembly are shown in Figure 28 shown in Figure 6. The chair is secured to the test
and Figure 29, respectively. platform with a length of chain looped twice around the
base. A small chain binder is used to provide sufficient
4.4.3 Procedures tension on the chain to hold the chair in place. A length
A vertical downward load is applied at the approxi- of chain or strap is looped around each arm in such a
mate center of one armrest of a chair at a cyclic rate of manner that the loads are applied at the center of the
20 cycles per minute. The test is begun at a load level of armrests. On one arm, the strap or chain is attached to
100 pounds and increased in increments of 50 pounds the rod end of the air cylinder by means of a clevis; the
after 25,000 cycles have been completed at the preceding strap on the other arm is attached to the main frame by
load level. Loads are increased every 25,000 cycles until means of a clevis that is secured by a cylinder attachment
the chair suffers disabling damage or meets desired assembly. It should be noted that the loaded arm and
acceptance level. reaction arm are in line so that both arms are, in effect,
loaded identically. Presumably, therefore, the weaker of
4.5 Cyclic Side Thrust Load Test the two arms will fail in the test.
on Arms
4.5.3 Procedures
A cyclic outward side thrust load is
applied to an arm of the chair at a rate
of 20 cycles per minute. The load is
applied to the approximate midpoint
along the length of the arm normal to
the vertical plane of the arm. The test
is begun at the 50-pound load level.
Loads are increased in increments of
25 pounds after 25,000 cycles have
been completed at each preceding load
level. Loads are increased every
25,000 cycles until the chair suffers
disabling damage or meets the desired
acceptance level.

4.6 Cyclic Vertical Load

Test on Seats, Bases and
Casters
4.6.1 Summary of Method
This test consists of subjecting the
seat of the chair to cyclic vertical
increasing stepped loads by means of a
vertical load frame, Figures 7 and 19.
This test evaluates the strength of the
seat structure as well as the seat
understructure—usually composed of
Figure 4. Back inclination adjustment test set-up. swivel column, base, and casters.

5
 FNR-179

4.6.2 Test Set-Up disabling damage occurs or the chair meets the desired
The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as acceptance level.
shown in Figure 7. The chair is secured to the test
platform with a length of chain looped twice around the
4.7 Cyclic Fatigue Test of Swivel
base. A small chain binder is used to provide sufficient Bearings
tension on the chain to hold the chair in place. In
4.7.1 Summary of Method
addition to chains, small squares of plywood with holes
cut in them may be attached to the face of the platform to This test evaluates the endurance of the swivel system
contain the casters and keep the chair from rolling. The to cyclic rotating actions. It consists of fully rotating the
load frame is attached to a cross pipe at the top of the base 360 degrees in alternate directions while keeping
main testing frame by means of a scaffolding clamp. the seat fixed in position.
The load frame is equipped with a dual wheel load head 4.7.2 Test Set-Up
in order to distribute the load over a portion of the seat
corresponding to the area normally occupied by a human The test set-up is shown in Figure 8. An exploded
subject. view of the test platform is shown in Figure 9. The
platform is rotated by means of a 20-inch diameter
4.6.3 Procedures pulley and belt, driven by an air gear motor or a revers-
Vertical loads are applied to the seat at a rate of 20 ible electric gear motor equipped with a 2-inch diameter
cycles per minute at a point 2 inches in front of the drive pulley. The motor is secured to a base plate that is
longitudinal axis of the spindle. The test is started at the connected to two 1-1/2 inch upright pipes by means of
200-pound load level; loads are increased in increments U-bolts. One end of the plate is mounted to a length of
of 100 pounds after 25,000 cycles have been completed 2-inch diameter pipe that fits over one of the two 1-1/2
at each preceding load level. The casters are turned at inch uprights and is free to rotate. The bottom of this
right angles to the legs so that all legs are subjected to pipe rests on the floor flange used to connect the 1-1/2
torsional forces. Testing continues until some type of inch upright to the platform on which the complete
assembly rests. The other end of the
plate is attached to the other 1-1/2-
inch upright by means of a single U-
bolt. The nuts on this U-bolt are
tightened, or adjusted, in order to
obtain the desired belt tension.
The rotating platform sits on four
casters that support the platform on its
undersides. Small squares of plywood
with holes cut into them are attached
to the face of the rotating platform to
contain the casters and keep the chair
from rolling out of the testing plat-
form. Straps are looped around the
arms and then attached to the pipes to
keep the seat from rotating during the
test. An air cylinder is used to lift the
load off the seat when the chair is
being inserted or removed from the
test jig. This cylinder is attached to an
overhead crossbar of the testing
machine frame by means of a cylinder
attachment assembly, Figure 28.

4.7.3 Procedures
The chair is secured to a platform
Figure 5. Test set-up for cyclic vertical load test on one arm. that is rotated a full 360 degrees in

6
 FNR-179

each direction at a rate of 10 times per minute. A static platform with a length of chain looped twice around the
load of 200 pounds is placed on the chair with its center base. A small chain binder is used to provide sufficient
of gravity located 4 inches in front of the longitudinal tension on the chain to hold the chair in place. An air
axis of the spindle. The load is increased every 25,000 cylinder is attached in a vertical position to a crossbar of
cycles by 25 pounds. The rotating platform—with the the main testing machine frame by means of a cylinder
chair base attached—is rotated beneath the chair while attachment assembly, Figure 28. The rod end of the
the loaded seat is prevented from rotating. The amount of cylinder is attached to a short length of chain that, in
torque required to cause the chair to rotate from a turn, is attached to the dead weights that are used to load
stopped position is measured every 25,000 cycles. The the seat of the chair.
200-pound load is left in place while the torque measure- A small cylinder is then clamped in a vertical position
ment is taken. Testing is continued until the torque rises to the arm of the chair. The rod end of this cylinder is
above the acceptance level or the chair completes the attached to the seat height adjustment lever by means of
desired number of test cycles. a length of small chain. This cylinder is used to activate
the seat height adjustment mechanism. In those cases
4.8 Cyclic Pneumatic Height Adjustment where the chair has no arm, a bracket must be clamped to
Durability Test the seat that will provide a point of support for the
cylinder in much the same manner as an arm provides
4.8.1 Summary of Method
support.
This test determines the durability of the seat height
adjustment mechanism. It consists of applying loads to 4.8.3 Procedures
the seat of the chair in a prescribed sequence both while The test is begun with the seat in its highest position
the adjustment mechanism is activated and deactivated. and the seat adjustment deactivated. The height adjust-
ment mechanism is tested using a four-part cycle as
4.8.2 Test Set-Up
follows:
The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as
shown in Figure 10. The chair is secured to the test A. Seat is loaded with 250 pounds.
B. Load is removed.
C. Load is reapplied and adjust-
ment mechanism is activated.
D. Load is removed and adjustment
mechanism remains activated until
seat ascends to highest position,
whereupon it is inactivated.
The entire cycle is repeated at a rate
of 5 cycles per minute. The test is
continued until some part of the
adjustment system malfunctions or
the chair meets a desired acceptance
level.

4.9 Front Stability Test

4.9.1 Summary of Method
The front stability test consists of
applying vertical downward loads to
the front edge of the chair seat until
the chair begins to tilt forward as
evidenced by the lifting of the rear
casters from the floor.

Figure 6. Cyclic side thrust load test on arms set-up.

7
 FNR-179

4.9.2 Test Set-Up 4.9.3 Procedures

The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as The front stability test is conducted as follows:
shown in Figure 11. A length of strap, or chain, is looped A. The chair is placed on a level test platform with the
around the chair back and the free ends allowed to droop seat height adjusted to its lowest setting.
over the front edge of the seat at the center point of the
front edge of the seat. The free ends then extend verti- B. The base and casters are placed in their most
cally downward and pass through an opening cut in the unstable position.
platform base. They are then secured to a simple end- C. A downward vertical load is applied to the front
connection for straps to which dead weights may be center edge of the seat. The load in pounds required to
attached. The base and the casters are turned to produce just lift the rear casters off the test platform is recorded
the most unstable condition; i.e., a line drawn from the as the measure of front stability.
projection of the longitudinal axis of the chair stem on
the platform base to the strap drooping over the front 4.10 Back Stability Test
edge of the seat should bisect the angle between two legs
4.10.1 Summary of Method
of the chair, and the casters should be turned toward the
back of the chair. An eyebolt attached to the lower end The back stability test consists of applying a front to
of the strap provides a construction on which slotted back load to the top of the backrest of a chair in a front to
weights may be hung as shown in Figure 11. back direction until the chair begins to tilt backward.
The front edge of the chair is loaded with 50 pounds
before the test is conducted. The force required to cause
the chair to tilt multiplied by the height of the point of
load application on the chair back above the platform is
taken as the back stability of the chair.

4.10.2 Test Set-Up

The test is carried out in the testing machine frame as
shown in Figure 12. A length of strap, or chain, is
looped around the chair back and the free ends allowed
to droop over the front edge of the seat at the center point
of the front edge of the seat. The free ends then extend
vertically downward and pass through an opening cut in
the platform base. An eyebolt attached to the lower end
of the strap provides a construction on which slotted
weights may be hung as shown in Figure 12. A similar
length of strap is looped around the back of the chair and
then passed over the top of the backrest to the rear of the
chair as shown in Figure 12. This strap extends back-
ward, parallel to the floor, and passes over a pulley. The
free end of the strap, which then hangs in a vertical
direction, is attached to an eyebolt that provides a
construction on which slotted weights may be hung as
shown in Figure 12.
A 1-inch diameter pipe is placed behind the base of the
chair to prevent the chair from rolling backwards during
the test. In practice, this causes the base to turn so that
two casters bear against the pipe-stop; the casters, in
turn, rotate to the inward position.

4.10.3 Procedures
Figure 7. Set-up for cyclic vertical load test on seats, bases, The back stability test is conducted as follows:
and casters.

8
 FNR-179

A. The chair is placed on a level test platform at the casters, in turn, run in two tracks constructed of 4-inch
lowest seat height setting. wide channel iron. Obstacles are mounted on the surface
B. The base and casters are placed in their most of the test platform in accordance with the diagram given
unstable position. in Figure 15.
C. A 1-inch high obstruction is placed behind the two The chair is held in place by a U-bolt that passes
rearward casters. around the stem of the chair and is secured in turn to a
metal plate that is welded to the end of a 2-inch pipe.
D. The front edge of the seat is loaded with 50 pounds This pipe is then attached to two vertical pipes, which
applied in a manner similar to that used in the front are parts of the main testing machine frame, by means of
stability test. scaffolding clamps. The function of these two vertical
E. A horizontal front-to-back load is applied to the top pipes is to keep the chair from moving from side to side
of the backrest. The force required to overturn the chair as the test platform rolls back and forth.
multiplied by the height from the platform to the top of The back and forth motion of the platform is provided
the backrest is recorded as the measure of back stability. by a crank arm system (for purposes of safety, a disk
should be used—at least 30 inches in diameter) and push
4.11 Caster and Base Durability Test rod. The crank arm is attached to a gear reducer unit that
4.11.1 Summary of Method in turn is driven by an electric motor. A 3/4 inch steel
The objective of the test is to evaluate the durability of push rod equipped with rod ends on both ends is then
the chair base and casters in response to the forces and attached to the crank arm and to the test platform as
wear caused by the user moving the chair backward and shown in Figure 13.
forward. An air cylinder is attached to an overhead crossbar of
the testing machine frame by means of a cylinder
4.11.2 Test Set-Up attachment assembly, Figure 28. This cylinder is used to
The chair is placed on the test platform as shown in lift the load off the seat when the chair is being inserted
Figure 13 and Figure 14. The test vehicle consists of a or removed from the test jig.
movable platform mounted on 4-inch casters. The
4.11.3 Procedures
A chair with casters is mounted on
the moveable platform as shown in
Figure 13. A 300-pound load is
applied to the chair seat with the chair
spindle fully extended. The base is
attached to a mechanical device that
exerts a horizontal push and pull of
from 30 inches to 34 inches as
illustrated in the figure. The base and
casters are free to rotate and swivel.
The machine operates continuously at
a rate of 8 to 10 cycles per minute
with a maximum speed of 50 feet per
minute. One cycle consists of a
forward and backward stroke of the
mechanical device. Testing continues
until the base or a caster suffers
structural breakage, loss of service-
ability, or a failure that would in any
way cause personal injury to the
occupant or bystanders, or, the
desired acceptance level is met.

Figure 8. Test set-up for cyclic fatigue test of swivel bearings.

9
 FNR-179

4.12 Fabric Durability Test

The provisions of the fabric durability
test lie outside the scope of structural
durability tests and hence are not in-
cluded in this document.

4.13 Spindle Attachment

Tests
4.13.1 Summary of Method
Two distinct tests are used to evaluate
the strength of the spindle attachment to
the seat control mechanism. In the first
test, the stem is subjected to torsional
forces. In the second test, the stem is
subjected to withdrawal forces.

4.13.2 Test Set-Up

In the torsional test, the control is
mounted in a bench vice with the stem of
the chair extending outward in a direction
parallel to the floor. A torque is then
applied to the stem by means of a device
such as a pipe wrench. In practice, a pipe
Figure 9. Exploded view of the rotating test platform. wrench can be attached in a horizontal
position to the stem of the chair. The
handle of the wrench can be inserted
through the eye of a large eyebolt and the
eyebolt positioned on the handle at a
distance of 12 inches from the longitudi-
nal axis of the stem of the chair. A large
washer and nut are then threaded onto the
threaded end of the eyebolt to provide a
surface on which slotted weights may be
placed.
In the withdrawal test, a universal
testing machine is used with appropriate
jigs to pull the stem free from its socket
in the control mechanism.

4.13.3 Procedures
The control and spindle shall be
detached from the chair and tested as
follows:
Test A) Apply a torque of 100 foot-
pounds to turn or displace the spindle
from the control by use of a tool such as a
torque-wrench.
Test B). Apply a force of 1,500 pounds
to the spindle in the direction of its
Figure 10. Cyclic pneumatic height adjustment durability test set-up.

10
 FNR-179

removal from the control at the rate of 0.100 to 0.125 attached to the free ends of the nipples. Finally, two
inch per minute. short extension shafts are attached to each elbow to make
When a free swiveling fitting is used to attach the the tire-head unit complete. These extension shafts are
spindle to the control, Test A may be disregarded. made to fit into mating 2-inch diameter extension shafts
on the lower ends of the internal load frame. The load
5. Acceptance Levels head frame and the internal load frame are then joined
together by means of bolts as shown in Figure 17.
The acceptance levels given below are those specified
in FNEW 83-269, “Performance Tests for Intensive Use The external load frame consists of two vertical
Chairs.” extension shaft sleeve bearings that are joined together at
one end by two tees and a crossbar to
form a second U-shaped frame. Diameter
Test Acceptance Level of the pipe used in the internal frame is 1-
4.1 Cyclic Back and Back Tilt 1,000,000 cycles 1/2 inch, whereas the diameter of the pipe
Mechanism Fatigue Test used in the external frame is 2 inches.
4.2 Cyclic Increasing Back Load Test Complete 175 lb load level These frames are adjusted during con-
4.3 Cyclic Pneumatic Back Tilt or Not Specified struction so that the internal extension
Seat Inclination Adjustment Test frame is free to slide up and down inside
4.4 Cyclic Vertical Load Test on One Arm Complete 250 lb load level
the external frame.
4.5 Cyclic Side Thrust Load Test on Arms Complete 200 lb load level The center crossbar of the internal
frame has two holes drilled into it so that
4.6 Cyclic Vertical Load Test Complete 1300 lb load level
two clevises can be attached to it. These
on Seats, Bases, and Casters
clevises provide points of attachment for
4.7 Cyclic Fatigue Test of Swivel Bearings Max. 150 lb-in at 300 lb load on seat the rod ends of the cylinders.
4.8 Cyclic Pneumatic Height 125,000 cycles
The crossbar of the external frame is
Adjustment Durability Test
just long enough to accommodate three
4.9 Front Stability Test Min. 125 lbs scaffolding clamps, Figure 18. The center
4.10 Back Stability Test Min. 1450 lb.-in. scaffolding clamp is used to attach the
4.11 Caster and Base Durability Test 36000 Cycles complete load frame to the testing ma-
chine frame. Short lengths of pipe (4
4.12 Fabric Durability Test
inches long) are attached with scaffolding
4.13 Spindle Attachment Tests Spindle shall remain unmoved after clamps on either side. These pipes are a
completion of Test A or Test B.
part of the cylinder attachment assemblies,
Figure 28, and serve as points of attach-
6. Specific Test Equipment ment for the air cylinders. The air cylinders are aligned
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the load frame. As the
6.1 Vertical Load Frame cylinders extend and retract in operation, the internal
An exploded view of the construction of a typical load frame necessarily follows. The action of the air
vertical load frame used in the vertical load test on seats cylinders is thereby transmitted to the load frame that, in
(4.6) is shown in Figure 16. The load frame consists of turn, transmits it in a controlled and directed manner to
three basic units—an internal and an external load frame the seat of the chair. Length of retraction of the internal
and tire load head. The internal frame consists of two frame in an upward vertical direction is controlled by the
vertical extension shafts that are joined together at one air pressure supplied to the cylinders, the length of the
end by two reducing tees and a crossbar to form a U- cylinders, or by stop collars on the shafts of the internal
shaped frame. frame. The extension movement is limited by the
resistance provided by the seat or by the length of stroke
The tire load head is constructed as follows. A pair of
of the cylinder. Side and front views of the vertical load
pipe flanges is bolted to the rim of each tire. The two 11
head are given in Figure 19. A bill of materials for each
x 4 smooth tread tires are then joined to each other by
of the seat load frames is given below.
means of a 1-1/2-inch diameter pipe nipple screwed into
the pipe flanges. Another nipple is then screwed into the
pipe flanges on the outside of each tire. Elbows are next

11
 FNR-179

6.1.1 Bill of Materials for Vertical Load Frame: a crossbar to form a U-shaped frame. The external frame
Internal Load Frame consists of two extension shafts (sleeve bearings) joined
2 extension shafts, 1-1/2 inch x 44 inches together at one end by a crossbar to form a second U-
2 reducing tees, 1-1/2 inch x 1-1/2 inch x 2 inches shaped frame. These pipes are 1-1/4 inches in diameter,
1 crossbar 1-1/2 inch x 10 inches however, so that the internal frame is free to slide within
2 extension shafts, 2 inches x 4 inches it. Crossed tees, attached to the two free ends of the
2 ells, 1-1/2 inch extension shaft sleeve bearings of the external frame act
2 extension shafts, 1-1/2 inch x 4 inches as bearings for a shaft inserted through them. These two
2 crossbars, 1-1/2 inch x 2 inches bearings together with the 1-inch diameter pipe inserted
1 center crossbar, 1-1/2 inch x 4 inches through them form part of a hinge that allows the
4 pipe flanges, 1-1/2 inch backrest load frame to pivot up and down and thereby
2 pneumatic tires, 4.10 - 5HNS follow the natural movement of the backrest as the load
head pushes against it.
External Load Frame
2 extension shaft sleeve bearings, 2 inches x 16 inches, The other half of the hinge is formed by a tee attached
heavy wall to the end of the 1-1/2 inch diameter pipe that acts as a
2 tees, 2 inches x 2 inches x 2 inches vertical load frame swivel column. This pipe, or swivel
1 crossbar, 1-1/2 inch x 5 inches support column, in turn, fits inside of a two-inch diam-
1 crossbar, 2 inches x 10 inches eter heavy wall sleeve (swivel sleeve bearing - schedule
80 pipe), Figure 21. This two-inch sleeve is firmly
6.2 Backrest Load Frames attached to the testing machine frame in a vertical
The load frames for testing the backrests are similar to position by means of scaffolding clamps; the 1-1/2 inch
those for testing seats, but important differences do exist, diameter pipe is free to rotate within it so that the load
Figure 20. Again, each load frame consists of two basic frame and the load head attached to it are free to swing
units—an internal and an external frame. The internal from side to side. The 1-1/2 inch diameter pipe is
frame consists of two extension shafts constructed of 1- prevented from sliding out of the two-inch diameter
inch diameter pipes that are joined together at one end by sleeve by means of a pin, which passes through the inner
pipe near its upper end, Figure 22. This
pin rides on the upper end of the sleeve
and carries the full weight of the load
frame apparatus. A shallow V-groove is
cut into the top of the sleeve so that the
weight of the backrest load frame acting
on the pin causes the pin to index into the
bottom of the groove in the same location
each time the cylinder retracts. This
arrangement allows the load frame and
load head to follow any side to side
movement of the backrest during a load
cycle and then return and index in the
proper starting position automatically on
the unload cycle.
The head of the air cylinder is sup-
ported by means of a small chain that is
looped over the hinge pin and the body of
the cylinder. Ends of the chain are joined
together by means of a spring that allows
some movement of the cylinder and
thereby avoids binding. The cylinder
should be positioned in the frame so that
the rod-end of the piston rod fits into the
eye of the clevis without applying
Figure 11. Front stability test set-up.

12
 FNR-179

sidethrust force to the piston rod. If a clevis with a however, the weight at the rear of the external load frame
slightly oversized opening is used to attach the rod-end- causes the entire load frame to return to its original
bearing to the load frame, and if it is turned so that the starting position. Normally, the weight of the air cylin-
pin is in a vertical position, it will allow the rod-end der is sufficient to cause this action without the addition
bearing to slide up and down on the pin slightly and thus of external weights.
relieve any accompanying side thrust forces on the piston The load head is attached to the end of the load frame
rod as the load frame extends and retracts as it deflects by means of a rod-end and bracket, Figures 21 and 22.
under load. Clearances between the bracket, the rod-end, and the end
The rear end of the air cylinder, which is equipped of the load frame are such that the load head itself is free
with a clevis, is attached to the external load frame by to pivot both up and down and rotate from side to side
means of a male rod-end-bearing. The body of the predetermined amounts about the rod-end. This freedom
bearing passes through the crossbar of the external load of movement allows the load head to adjust to local
frame and is secured with a nut on the opposite side. changes in the shape and angle of the backrest.
A 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch diameter U-bolt is attached to 6.2.1 Bill of Materials for Backrest Load
the crossbar of the load frame as shown in Figure 21—a
Frame:
slightly modified U-bolt system is shown in Figure 20.
This U-bolt provides a point of attachment for the Internal Load Frame
turnbuckle/chain linkage that controls the angle of the 2 Ells, 1 inch
load frame with respect to the horizontal. 2 extension shafts, 1 inch x 48 inches
1 crossbar, 1 inch x 6 inches
The complete linkage is shown in Figure 20. The rear External Load Frame
of the external load frame should be weighted so that the 2 reducing tees, 1 inch x 1-1/4 inches
total load frame is just balanced when the internal load 1 crossbar, 1 inch x 5-1/2 inches
frame is fully extended. If the backrest deflects down- 2 extension shaft sleeve bearings,
ward as it is loaded, the load head and load frame are 1-1/4 inch x 16 inches
free to follow. When the internal load frame retracts, 4 tees, 1-1/4 inch
2 close nipples, 1-1/4 inch (to form
crossed tees)
4 close nipples, 1-1/4 inch (for bearings
in crossed tees)
1 cross pin, 1 inch x 12 inches
2 end caps, 1 inch (for cross pin)
Swivel Support Column
1 tee, 1-1/4 inch
1 close nipple, 1-1/4 inch
1 reducing coupling, 1-1/2 to 2 inch
1 swivel column, 1-1/2 inch x 20 inches
1 swivel column sleeve bearing, 2
inches x 18 inches (heavy-wall pipe)

6.2.2 Backrest Load Heads

Configuration of the backrest founda-
tion load heads is shown in Figure 23.
This load head is similar to that specified
in British Standard 4875 for the testing of
sofa backs (BSI, 1975). The load heads
may be fabricated from solid wood.
Angle-iron brackets attached to the back
of the load head may be used to form a
clevis. A male rod-end whose shaft is
bolted to the load frame connects the load
Figure 12. Back stability test set-up. head to the load frame, Figure 20.

13
 FNR-179

Articulation of the load head is governed by the opening the testing machine. An extra cylinder is required, of
width of the clevis and by the location of the hole. Some course, if this latter procedure is followed.
experimentation may be necessary to determine the When calibrating cylinders at high pressure levels, the
optimum location for the specific rod-end used. In cylinders may cause near impact loading on the force
general, however, the load head should have sufficient dynamometer that may damage the interior force-
freedom of movement to follow the deflection of the indicating mechanism. Speed control valves should be
backrest without binding. used to reduce the rate of loading.
6.3 Load Calibration 6.4 Testing Machine Frame
A force dynamometer may be used to calibrate and The external testing machine frames previously shown
periodically monitor the force exerted by the air cylin- consist of a rectangular skeletal steel framework fabri-
ders on the furniture. One such force dynamometer and cated from pipe and scaffolding clamps. This framework
an accompanying load frame are shown in Figure 24. provides points of attachment for the various devices that
This dynamometer has a 1000-pound load capacity and are used to apply loads to the furniture, and it also
an 8-inch diameter face that has been divided into 5- provides a means of supporting and holding the furniture
pound increments for easy reading. A frame constructed in place while it is being tested. Overall size of the
from pipe and scaffolding clamps in which the dyna- testing machine is not critical, but it must provide
mometer and an air cylinder can be placed for calibration sufficient space for the chair and loading apparatus to be
is also shown. Desired force levels are obtained by mounted properly as well as sufficient space for servic-
adjusting the air regulator while the air valve is operating ing the equipment. A typical testing machine framework
at its normal cyclic rate. Design of the testing equipment is shown in Figure 25. Corner posts about 9-feet high
is such that a cylinder can readily be detached from the are anchored to the floor.
testing machine and inserted in the calibration frame.
When matched cylinders are used, however, a spare Crossbars are attached to these posts to form the frame
cylinder mounted in the calibration frame can be used to of the machine. All of the frame members are con-
calibrate identical cylinders without removing them from structed of nominal 2-inch diameter pipe. Lightly loaded
members, and in particular, columns may
be constructed of schedule 40 pipe;
heavily loaded crossbars, on the other
hand should be constructed of schedule
80 pipe. Scaffolding clamps, Figure 26,
are used to join the members together to
form a rigid frame. The frame is attached
to the floor by means of special floor
flanges, Figure 27. These flanges are
particularly useful for attaching the frame
corners to anchor bolts set in concrete
floors. Standard floor flanges may be
used for attaching the frame corners to
wooden or similar floors.
The scaffolding clamps provide
considerable rigidity to the frame, and it
should not be necessary to brace the
frame in any way. Should this prove
necessary, however, additional pipes and
clamps may be used to insert diagonals in
the side frames.
The frame should be given regular
maintenance while testing; specifically,
the setscrews in the scaffolding clamps
should be regularly inspected and tight-
Figure 13. Caster and base durability test set-up, front perspective. ened if necessary. Scaffolding clamps
14
 FNR-179

may also break if they are subjected to

high load levels for a great number of
cycles. If this situation should occur,
additional members should be added to
the testing machine at critically stressed
points to share the load. Safety chains
hooked over the tops of the corner posts
or over the top of intermediate posts
should be used to ensure that a crossbar
cannot fall if a clamp should loosen.

6.5 Air Cylinders

At least two air cylinders with a 4-inch
bore and 12-inch stroke are needed to
carry out the cyclic vertical load test on
seats, bases, and casters (4.6). Presum-
ably, these cylinders can also be used to
conduct the other tests, but they may be
difficult to calibrate and control at lower
load levels because of the practical limits
of accuracy of the air regulators at low
load levels. A cylinder with a bore of 2-
1/2 inches and a stroke of 18 inches, for
Figure 14. Caster and base durability test set-up, rear perspective. example, is better suited for use and more
compatible with the load frames devel-
oped for the back rest tests; likewise,
cylinders with a stroke of 10 to 12 inches will be found
more convenient for other tests. Also, a small cylinder
with 1-inch bore and 6-inch stroke is needed to activate
the back tilt mechanism (4.3) and seat adjustment
mechanism (4.8). The most important requirement is
that the cylinders must have sufficient stroke to allow the
furniture to deflect fully; they must, for example, have
sufficient stroke to allow the seats and the backrests to
deflect fully. The quality of the air cylinders used is
optional, but medium duty cylinders should give satisfac-
tory service under laboratory conditions.
To simplify attachment of the cylinders to the load
frame, the cylinders should be equipped with a clevis
mount. In addition, the ends of the piston rods should be
threaded internally to receive a male rod-end bearing
although external female rod-end bearings can also be
used with externally threaded piston rods.

Figure 15. Obstacle layout for caster and base durability test.

15
 FNR-179

6.5.1 Cylinder length of chain or a strap, and a spring. One leg of the
Attachment Assembly cylinder support assembly is inserted into the top end of
The air cylinders are an upright to which a cylinder attachment assembly is
attached to the main frame of connected. The chain is then looped over the horizontal
the testing machine by means arm of the cylinder support frame, around the barrel of
of a male rod-end and a short the air cylinder, and connected to itself by means of a
length (4-inch long) of 2-inch small spring. The strap or chain and spring should be
diameter pipe, Figure 28, adjusted so that no side thrust forces are applied to the
which will be called a shaft of the cylinder.
cylinder attachment assem-
bly. The 4-inch long pipe has
a 1/2-inch diameter hole
drilled through it crossways
at mid length that receives
the threaded portion of a rod-
end. After the rod-end is
inserted in the hole, it is held
in place by external and
internal nuts, Figure 28. An
attachment of a cylinder to
the testing machine frame is
shown in Figure 29.

6.5.2 Cylinder Support

Assembly
The air cylinders are
supported in a horizontal
Figure 16. Vertical load frame. position, when needed, by Figure 18. A view of external frame.
means of a cylinder support
assembly. This assembly consists of a cylinder support
frame, Figure 29, that is made of two lengths of 1-1/2-
inch diameter pipes joined together by a 90 degree ell, a

Figure 19. Side and front views of

vertical load head.

Figure 17. Connection of the load head to internal frame.

16
 FNR-179

Figure 20. Overview of backrest load frame.

Figure 21. Working drawing of backrest load frame.

6.5.3 Load Application
For some applications, loads are applied to the furni- If straps are used instead of chain, then a fixture must
ture by means of a length of chain or a strap. The chain be used to secure the end of the strap and also to obtain
is looped around the part of the furniture frame that is to the necessary length adjustment. A simple fixture of the
be tested (an arm, for example) and is then attached by type shown in Figures 30 and 31 may be used both to
means of a pivot pin to one end of a double clevis (or secure the end (or ends) of the strap and also to obtain
single clevis if the chain is large enough to permit the the necessary adjustment for length. This fixture may be
eye of the clevis to pass through a loop of the chain). fabricated from a 5/16-inch diameter U-bolt and short
The other end of the double clevis is then attached by lengths of 1/4 -inch diameter pipe. Larger sizes may be
means of a pivot pin to the cylinder rod-end, Figure 30. used if desired.
It should be noted that two conventional clevises could
be used back to back instead of a double clevis.

Figure 22. Exploded view of backrest frame hinge. Figure 23. Configuration of backrest foundation load
head.
17
FNR-179

Figure 24. Force dynamometer and load frame.

Figure 27. Details of floor flange assembly.

6.6 Air Control System

Standard 3/8-inch, three-way solenoid valves are used
to control the flow of air to the cylinders. These valves
control the flow of air to both sides of a cylinder, Figure
32. Pipe trees may be connected to the outlet ports of
each valve so that three cylinders can be operated from
each of the four valves (for the seat load test). Twenty-
foot lengths of 3/8-inch ID diameter hose are used to
connect the valves to the cylinders. Use of equipment of
this size is mandatory to ensure that desired force levels
can be developed and maintained. The main supply line
should be properly sized to provide peak air demand
during load cycles. Use of a 2-inch diameter feeder has
been found useful. If supply lines are long, an air ballast
tank should be located near the test apparatus.
Figure 25. A typical testing machine frame.

Figure 26. Scaffolding clamp used to fabricate main

testing machine frame. Figure 28. Details of cylinder attachment assembly.

18
 FNR-179

Operating pressure is controlled by standard air

regulators; oilers are included in order to provide the
lubrication needed by the valves and air cylinders.

6.7 Electrical Control Circuit

An example of a hard wire electrical cyclic control
system that may be used to carry out the tests is shown in
Figure 33. A repeat cycle timer is used to control the
length of the on/off portion of each cycle along with the
rate at which the test is carried out, that is, 20 cycles per
minute. The cam should be adjusted to obtain 50 percent
on/off cycles.
Electrically operated predetermined counters are used
to count the number of cycles completed and to stop the
test after a predetermined number of cycles have been
completed. These counters have internal electrical
switches that open when a preset number of cycles have
Figure 29. Cylinder attachment and support assembly. been completed. The counters are wired into the electri-
cal control circuit as shown in Figure 33. Although this
equipment works well, it should be noted that its use is
not mandatory, and many users will choose to use simple
process controllers to carry out the tests. A break wire,

Figure 30. Loads are transferred from air cylinders to

furniture by means of a strap (above) or chain (below).

Figure 31. A simple end-connection for straps that holds

the ends of the straps securely in place.

Figure 32. Example air control system.

19
 FNR-179

Figure 34 may be used to stop

the test when a part breaks or
fails. The wire used in the test
should be rubber coated
instrument lead wire. One end
of the wires should be at-
tached to the “break wire”
terminals shown in Figure 33.
(The internal connection
between these two terminal
should be removed.) The
wires are then passed over a
main machine member (or
other pipe) and a full turn
taken around the pipe. The
free ends are then attached to a
short length of wire equipped Figure 33. Example control system that may be used to control cyclic rate of loading and
with alligator clips that passes terminate test after predetermined number of test cycles have been completed.
around the part under test as
shown in Figure 34. The “tightness” or “slack” of the
section of the wire between the pipe and the part under 7. References
test may be easily adjusted by loosening the loop of wire British Standards Institution. 1975. BS 4875.
around the pipe. Once the length of wire has been Strength and Stability of Domestic and Contract Furni-
properly adjusted, however, the loop around the pipe will ture. London.
not move.
Eckelman, C.A. 1978a. Development of Performance
Tests for Upholstered Furniture—Development of
Tests and Results of Test Program. National Technical
Information Service, Department of Commerce.
Washington, D.C.
Eckelman, C.A. 1978b. Development of Performance
Tests for Upholstered Furniture—Design of Equipment.
National Technical Information Service, Department of
Commerce. Washington, D.C.
Upholstered Furniture Test Method. FNAE-80-214.
General Services Administration. Wash., DC.
Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs.
FNAE-83-269. General Services Administration. Wash.,
Figure 34. Break wire connection used to terminate DC.
test when part fails.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.l-l985 -General-Purpose Office
Chair Tests. American National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

NEW 9/01

It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, David C. Petritz, Director,
that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to the programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national
origin, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Purdue University is an Affirmative Action employer.
This material may be available in alternative formats.
1-888-EXT-INFO
http://www.fnr.purdue.edu http://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/Pubs

20

View publication stats