We can lift heavy objects with our versatile hydro-pneumatic (containing gas and liquid) lifting devices,
They are most commonly seen in various configurations of door hardware. But, their potential uses for them are virtually limitless. Gas springs are commonly used every day in vehicle compartments. They support adjustable chairs or tables, on all manners of panels and easy-open hatches, and even small electronic devices.
These springs rely on pressured gas and an oil-based fluid lubricant to support or counter a range of external forces. The compressed gases offer a controlled way to store and release energy. It is transmitted via a sliding piston or rod.
They are also called gas struts, rams, or dampers. But some terms refer only to particular component combinations and intended uses. A standard gas spring is used as a support for objects that move. A gas damper is used to limit or control the motion.
So how do Australian gas struts/dampers work in practice? Which type is best for what role? And which setup is best for the job? The following sections will cover these and other topics related to gas springs.
Gas Springs: How Do They Work?
Different kinds of gas struts/dampers come in different configurations. However, the intended use of any given spring will dictate its mechanics. Vehicle compartments will have gas springs set up differently than those on doors and chairs. But, these springs share some key elements.
To understand how gas springs and dampers work, imagine a regular bicycle tire pump. Gas springs and dampers have a piston and rod mechanism, which moves through a narrow tube. But unlike open-ended tubes like pumps, the cylinders of gas springs are sealed. The gas within the cylinder remains constant.
Gas struts have a piston that allows gas to pass through them. The internal pressure is maintained by maintaining a balance, but the pockets are different in volume and area. Manufacturers can regulate the gas flow through the piston so that it moves in a specific direction.
Different types of gas struts are better suited to either supporting or accelerating movement.
What Is The Purpose Of Gas Springs?
Gas Springs For Doors
Given the variety of door types that can benefit from gas spring applications, it’s not surprising there are almost as many options for choosing which type strut will best fit each scenario.
The majority of doors in a house, school, or workplace have some type of traction gas spring. They are designed to open easily under pressure and return quickly to closed positions when not in use. Cabinet doors or access hatches are often required to do the opposite. They can lift a lot of weight and then close completely until it is manually closed.
A locking-gas spring is useful in both situations. It holds the door in place halfway between fully open and closed. Variable speed gas struts may be needed for doors that have folding mechanisms. They allow the door to operate smoothly as different parts move at different rates and dampen the sliding of partitions.
As with all other fixtures, the choice of door gas struts depends on the job they will perform once mounted. To determine which gas spring product is best for your needs, you should have an idea of the desired action or activation force.
Autos With Gas Springs
Although some cars might incorporate multiple sets or gas springs into their various hoods or panels, most are used for boot-lifting. Nearly all hatchbacks as well as estate cars will have gas struts attached to the rear assembly. This helps to lift, support, and lower the heavy tailgates seamlessly and easily.
The gas springs that are fitted to cars are subtle enough to not be obvious. Instead of lifting the tailgate once it’s up, they help to hold it in place. It is easy to see the extent of the heavy lifting these fixtures do when they begin to wear and fall apart.
Gas Springs For Chairs
Gas springs are used to make office chairs. They have a more ‘damping’ arrangement. As the chair is lower, it will resist less. This cushioned the seats down movement but allows it back to its normal position with no manual force if empty.
Office chair gas struts almost always lock in one direction or another. It’s worth noting, however, that the locking mechanism may be separate from the spring. The locking component acts more as a quick-release clasp around the sliding central section, and not as an inherent feature of the strut.