Understanding gas strut mounting points and positions.
Mounting Points
There are two primary mounting points, the ‘fixed’ mounting point which does not move and the ‘moving’ mounting point which rotates through an arc as the application opens and closes.
Generally, when positioning, start with the moving mounting point approximately 1/3 the length of the lid from the hinge as shown in figure two below:
Typical mounting points example. This provides an approximate guide as to where to place a strut, but if this is developed further it will also give an indication of the size of the required product.
Typical mounting points example. This provides an extremely rough guide as to where to place a strut, but if this is developed further it will also give an indication of the size of the required product.
Mounting Orientations
There are two differing mounting orientations available, the ‘Push Up’ and ‘Flip Over’ mounting. In both cases, it should always be mounted “rod down” when in the fully closed position to ensure proper lubrication of the seal package.
Generally, Camloc’s preferred mounting is the ‘Push Up’ design orientation.
Push Up Design
Identification
This can be identified by the fact that the end at the lowest point when closed, remains in its lowest position when opened fully. 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 strut should always be mounted rod down to ensure proper lubrication of the main seal. The main limitation of this mounting position is the additional strength required in the hinges of application being lifted.
Damping
The most prominent advantage of 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
Identification
This type of mounting can be identified by the end at the lowest point of the strut when closed, rotates to the highest point when fully open. It can also be correctly 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 it is advised to mount rod down, this is because it ensures proper lubrication of the main seal in the closed position.
Damping
The main limitation 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 horizontal position is passed, 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, extension 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 main advantage of this design is that it results in less strain on the hinges than the push up design.
Mounting: Crossover, Self-Rise & Self-Close
Crossover
Crossover is the point at which the strut takes over the lifting action (or gravity takes over to close). This is often around 10° to 30° from fully closed. In practice, this will vary by several degrees between opening and closing, due to external factors such as friction of the internal components of the spring, hinges and end connectors.
Self-Rise & Self-Close
Self-rise is the angle at which the lid is lifted without any assistance from the operator. Similarly, self-close is the angle at which the lid will close without any assistance. In most cases, it is undesirable to have the lid open without any operator input (referred to as “instant lift”). This behaviour is sometimes unpredictable to the operator and can allow the lid to open without any prior warning, in instances where the P1 force increases above nominal due to elevated ambient temperatures.
Effects of Temperature on Handling
Temperature not only affects the output force, but also the handling forces. The following graphs shows behaviour on an application at 20°C and then again at 65°C. As is seen in the figure below, at 20°C crossover occurs at an opening angle of around 7°, with the handling forces being acceptable in both opening and closing.
Gas Spring and gas strut installation handling forces chart. Crossover at 20 degrees Celsius. Angle of opening (Degrees) vs. force (N).
Crossover at 20°C
Gas Spring and gas strut installation handling forces chart. Crossover at 65 degrees Celsius. Angle of opening (Degrees) vs. force (N).
Crossover at 65°C
When the ambient temperature increases to 65°C (for example, in the case of an engine cover application), lift will occur almost instantaneously. This behaviour is often unpredictable to the operator and in some cases proving dangerous.
It is also evident that handling effort to close the application increases. For these reasons, it is important that understanding of what the ambient and ‘normal’ operating temperatures of an application will be, so if necessary, a suitable compromise can be made in handling performance.
Mounting: Dampers
When in the position to mount a damper, should it be rod up or rod down? The answer to this is dependent on whether the damper is a compression or extension damper; each one has specific orientations and should be mounted as follows:
Extension damper and compression damper side by side comparison. Extension Damper (Left), Compression Damper (Right).
Extension Dampers
Extension dampers should be mounted ‘rod down’ to ensure consistent damping throughout the stroke, if these are mounted ‘rod up’, this will result in little or no damping.
Compression Dampers
On the contrary to extension dampers, compression dampers should be mounted ‘rod up’ to ensure damping is consistent throughout. If instead they are mounted ‘rod down’, this will again result in little to no damping. Lubrication of the main seal is not a problem due to the high volume of oil used in the damper.
Mounting: Practical Application
Unused Stroke
Our engineers advise that when positioning, allow 10mm of unused stroke. This is because this will allow for the stack up of manufacturing tolerances in the application, preventing “bottoming out” before the lid is fully closed.
10mm of unused stroke example.
Preventing Instant Lift
Positioning the moving mounting point so that it creates an over-centre condition when the lid is closed will aid in reducing instant opening of the lid.
The figure below highlights two examples; one of a position which will lead to instant lift (on the left) and one which is over-centre and will reduce the potential of instant lift (on the right).
Preventing instant lift spring position example.
Reducing Handling Forces
To help reduce handling forces, the following strategies can be used:
Move the mounting point Y1 closer towards the pivot by reducing the stroke.
Consider whether the opening angle could be reduced.
Move fixed mounting point Y2 to a more suitable location.
Reducing handling force example.
For more technical information on mounting and other commonly asked queries, head over to our whitepapers section. For information on our product range, please visit our Products Page.
