Many manufacturers use heavy-duty materials when making their products. Take modern cars as an example. They feature heavy doors, tailgates and bonnet lids that would require lots of effort to move. However, you don't struggle to pop these lids open because of a clever add-on, gas struts. Gas struts sit in convenient positions on either side of doors and lids to make your life easy. You can also refer to them as gas dampers or gas springs considering their numerous applications in homes, equipment and commercial installations.
Getting the most out of your gas struts requires a thorough understanding of their working mechanisms, materials used to make them and more. Read on for an in-depth discussion.
The Working Mechanism
Gas struts can easily pass for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders if it were not for a few tweaks in the working mechanism. Essentially, they are unique because you do not require an external or secondary energy source to trigger movement. The strut comes as an independent closed unit manufactured and filled with an inert gas, usually nitrogen. When movement starts, there is no need to introduce additional gas into the system. The strut relies on the force generated by the stored inert gas and the pressure remains equal on both sides of the piston when fully extended or closed.
Energy Storage and Release
One thing that makes gas struts more efficient than other devices is the way they store and release energy. Energy storage starts when you push the gas strut inward. In most setups, the spring attaches to a mounting bracket capable of moving back and forth with the equipment, door, lid or anything else attached to it. Whenever a force is applied, the bracket retreats inward to shove the piston rod into the strut's cylinder.
The movement of the piston within the cylinder creates a tight seal that only allows oil and gas to flow through it. At the same time, the oil greases the piston while remaining within the cylinder thanks to the action of tight seals called O-rings.
Special Features
Gas struts have several special features to enhance their functionality and make them a great fit for your needs. First, go for threaded rods that work with various end fittings depending on your needs. Secondly, consider going for struts with release valves for applications that require you to adjust the force. Refrain from recharging such a gas strut because of the safety hazards involved. Lastly, go for stainless steel struts over other materials as they excel at withstanding corrosion and salt sprays.
For more information, contact a company like Precision Gas Springs.
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