What is a Gas Spring?
Springs are a common component of countless assemblies, serving various roles ranging from supporting loads to returning an adjustable part to its resting state. Gas springs in particular are a very specialized type, differing from standard mechanical springs that utilize elastic deformation with their use of compressed gas. This compressed gas is contained within an enclosed cylinder, and a sliding piston is used to store and exert energy through pneumatic force.
Capable of applying force in a parallel direction to the piston shaft, gas springs are commonly used in a number of applications requiring their abilities. When used in automobiles, for example, the gas spring installation is situated in the assembly of struts, allowing for a hatchback tailgate to be opened and supported without external equipment or force. Alongside such examples, other common implementations include furniture, medical devices, aerospace applications, and much more. Such components also range in their size and capabilities, some even being able to accommodate the needs of industrial manufacturing processes with up to 400,000N of force being achievable.
Depending on one’s particular needs and the application in question, there are many common types of gas springs that may be procured, each with varying characteristics and capabilities. These options include, but are not limited to, standard cylinders, fixed-height cylinders, spindle only types, cable cylinders, stage cylinders, non-rotating cylinders, return cylinders, auto-return cylinders, bouncing cylinders, dual-mode cylinders, gas spring balancer cylinders, heavy-duty cylinders, and oil dampers. Across all types, there are certain characteristics that can define capabilities and compatibility for specific applications, thus it is important to be familiar with various common design features of such components.
When there is a diaphragm within an internal plunger that reaches towards the gas tube’s sides, motion will cease upon the applied force reaching a constant state. At this point, the diaphragm will then begin to hold the weight as a support, acting similar to a conventional spring. On the other hand, the presence of a hole on the plunger will only allow for the component to act with slow-dampening, making it a good fit for installation on heavy doors or windows.
Depending on the requirements of an operation, certain characteristics of a gas spring installation may be manageable or changeable. For instance, adjusting the volume of gas within the component will have a direct effect on internal pressure, changing how force acts against the gas spring and how quickly it may move or adjust. This can also be affected by permitting one tube to slide across the other, implementing various seals, or using multiple rods of smaller diameter.
In order to enact and control force, gas springs require the introduction of gas. This can be done in a few ways, common methods being the implementation of a Schrader-type valve and lip seal or a shuttling O-ring configuration. The higher the pressure that is contained within the spring, the more force can be generated for varying means. In some instances, gas springs may even use a gas generator cell for rapid, emergency use.
Whether you are in search of a gas spring clip, gas spring monitor mount, or gas spring steering components, all can be found with competitive pricing on ASAP Aerospace Hub. ASAP Aerospace Hub is a leading distributor of new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts, sourcing countless high quality items from leading global manufacturers that we trust. Due to our unwavering commitment to quality and export compliance initiatives, we proudly conduct operations with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation. If there are particular items on our website that you wish to procure, first begin with a quote for your comparisons which you may receive through the submission of an RFQ form as provided on our website.
- charles price
- Posted on August 23, 2021 aviation
Share
