A Gas Strut is
used for various purposes but it is used commonly as a counterbalance for
raising or lowering doors. The important component of the gas strut is rod
which slides within a pressurized sealed tube. The compression of the gas
strut results in the increasing of force by about 30%. Gas strut comes in
myriad shapes, sizes and compression ratio and is capable of lifting weights
ranging from few kilos to half a tonne.
The piston rod is important component of the gas strut which is constructed
from a nitro-carburised or hard chromium plated carbon-steel. The piston is
placed within an epoxy powder coated steel tube. There is a hydraulic fluid
inside the tube. The fluid is mineral-based hydraulic fluid, which is
pressurized. To apply maximum force to the strut, adjustable force gas
Struts are supplied which results in the reduction of force to required
level by releasing pressure via a bleed valve.
Gas Structs Design
Applications of Gas Struts
Some
of the common applications of the gas struts are:
- Used as a counterbalance for raising or lowering doors
- Direct support of sliding weights
- Tensions devices and provides damping
- Car tailgates
- Coach luggage compartments
- Access hatches
- Skylights
- Machine guards
Calculating the force for your application
Force needed for the gas strut can be calculated by keeping the following
considerations in mind.
- Determine the usage of gas spring that is for what purpose you are
intending to use gas springs.
- For opening flap you should know the center of gravity, dimensions
and weight of the application must be known.
- External conditions like temperature, humidity and the working
environment should also be kept in mind. The operating conditions will
have a direct effect on the force needed for the application. It will
also effect the materials of which the gas strut is manufactured.
Temperature vs Force Variation Graph
The temperature used for manufacturing gas struts is 20oC. Gas struts
output force will vary with temperature because compressed gas reacts very
strongly to temperature changes. The percentage( %) deviation of the gas
struts force against temperature can be graphically represented as follows:
Chart reflects a change in force of 3.4% per 10oC from the
nominal temperature
