How Do Lockable Gas Spring Work?
Lockable gas spring can be locked at any position along the stroke. There is a push pin at the rod end; when the push pin is pressed, it acts like a compression gas spring. When the pin is released, it locks on the stroke position.
For example, the height-adjustable work table can adjust its height, and the office chair can adjust recline to offer maximum comfort by using lockable gas springs.
How?
The release system is a valve that is actuated by the push pin. See below picture.
- When push pin is pressed, this opens the valve inside the spring, allowing the nitrogen or oil flow freely throught the piston.
- When push pin is released, the valve close accordingly, the gas spring then can be postioned and locked anywhere along the stroke.
To activate the push pin, we typically connect elements to apply force on the pin; the following are actuator and Bowden cable examples.
Rigid VS Elastic
Locking gas spring can be Elastic or rigid;
For the flexible type, since this is only filled with nitrogen. The rod may slightly “flex” when given a heavy compression load. One example is the seat height adjuster(equipped with elastic gas spring), where the flexing provides users with a comfortable “bouncy” feel.
For rigid type, no flex when the rod is being pressed. Examples are the operating tables or wheelchair recline mechanism; In these applications, no movement is tolerated in its locked position.
In a word, elastic lockable gas springs have “good” rigidity in compression, while rigid types have full rigidity.
Benefits of lockable gas spring
- Compared with a motorized system, a lockable gas spring is a cost-effective solution for height or angle adjustment or movements. If you require height or angle adjustment effortlessly and instantly, a locking gas spring may serve your needs well.
- A small actuation force can activate much bigger forces, and a gas spring can bear a large part of the weight force.
