Gas Spring Mounting: Mounting Orientations

Comment on this article

How do I identify mounting orientations, and which is the most effective?

Mounting Orientations Overview

There are two differing mounting orientations available to the designer, these are ‘Push Up’ and ‘Flip Over’ mounting.

In both cases, the spring should always be mounted “rod down” when in the fully closed position to ensure proper lubrication of the seal package.

As a general rule, Camloc’s preferred mounting is the ‘Push Up’ design orientation.

Push Up Design

Figure Eleven: Push Up Design Example

Identification

This type of mounting can be identified by the fact that the end at the lowest point of the gas spring when closed, remains in its lowest position when fully open.

It can also be identified by the moving mounting point being located closer to the hinge than the fixed mounting point.

Rod-Orientation

Unless a means is utilised to lubricate the rod, then the spring should always be mounted rod down to ensure proper lubrication of the main seal.

The main drawback of this mounting position is the additional strength required in the application being lifted, particularly the hinges.This is due to increased cantilever of the lid from the gas spring support.

Damping

The major advantage with this type of mounting and rod down orientation is that it provides consistent damping at the end of the stroke. This is due to oil always being at the bottom of the tube; thus, damping will always occur at the same point in the lift cycle

Flip-Over Design

Figure Twelve: Flip-Over Design Example

Identification

This type of mounting can be identified by the end at the lowest point of the gas spring when closed, rotates to the highest point when fully open.

It can also be identified by the moving mounting point being located further away from the hinge than the fixed mounting point

Rod Orientation

Unless a means is utilised to lubricate the rod then the spring should always be mounted rod down to ensure proper lubrication of the main seal in the closed position.

Damping

The main drawback of this mounting position is the lack of damping control throughout the stroke.

At the start of the stroke, the oil is at the bottom around the main seal. As the spring passes the horizontal position the oil begins to run down the tube towards the tube end.

Along this point it will meet the piston moving up through the tube.

When the piston meets the oil, the extension of the spring will be slowed until the oil has passed through. At this point, the extension speed will increase and will reach the end of the stroke with no damping.

The advantage of this design is that it places less strain on the hinges than the push up design.