What Are Gas Springs and How Do They Work?

Gas springs are versatile, hydro-pneumatic lifting mechanisms that help to raise, lower, and support heavy objects more easily. They are the most widely seen lifting mechanisms in industrial door hardware, but have countless other uses. For example, gas springs are often found in vehicle compartments, supporting adjustable chairs and tables, on all manner of easy-open hatches and panels, and even in small electronic devices.

As the name suggests, a gas spring is an item which uses gas compression to control a spring-like mechanism. These devices typically consist of an enclosed container with a sliding piston that can be moved within the container to control the pressure of the inert nitrogen gas inside. More specifically, an operator can slide the piston, compressing the gas past its natural state, and then let it go so that the piston will be thrust in the opposite direction while the gas expands. Alternatively, the gas spring can be used more like a cushion which dampens the movement of the piston.

Different types of gas springs come in a variety of configurations with their precise mechanics relating to their intended use. Nevertheless, they all have some key elements in common. Like most manual hand pumps, gas springs and dampers feature a piston and rod mechanism passing back and forth through a tight-fitting tube. However, unlike the open-ended tube of a pump, the cylinder of a gas spring is sealed so that the volume of gas inside remains constant. As a result, the gas can be repeatedly compressed and expanded within the space of the container without leakage, ensuring that it can function over a long service life.

As a simple mechanism, gas springs are versatile components which have found use in a multitude of industries. Of these different sectors, one of the most popular places to find gas springs is within cars. Some will incorporate multiple sets of gas springs in the design of hoods, panels, and compartments, but the most common usage is in trunk-lifting mechanisms. Additionally, it is common to see gas springs in heavy doors which can benefit from their innate pneumatic power. In these cases, aside from simply helping to quickly open and close doors, gas springs can also be used to establish a secure locking mechanism. Finally, gas springs can be found in office chairs where they are usually arranged in more of a damping configuration, where greater resistance exists when the chair is lowered and less as it is raised.

As a key component in many assemblies, gas springs come in a variety of types, including standard gas springs, adjustable locking gas springs, variable gas springs, and custom gas springs. Of these types, standard gas springs are those which feature a closed container filled with pressurized nitrogen gas that develops expansion force in the piston and displaces the rod. Next, adjustable locking gas springs have a locking plunger mechanism that halts piston rod movement. Variable gas springs, on the other hand, have a dual cylinder connected using a connector with a hydraulic valve. In this case, one cylinder is pneumatic and another one hydraulic. Finally, custom gas springs are gas springs designed for variable applications like special machinery, robotic applications, medical applications, aerospace applications, and more.

As a result of their versatility, gas springs of all types can be found across a multitude of industries. Whether helping to lift a heavy load or dampen its impact, these devices are indispensable parts of countless applications. If you are in need of a reliable gas spring for your operations, ASAP Supply Chain has you covered. Explore our comprehensive catalog of gas springs, or other aviation components of interest with ease using the search engine and categories on our domain. Operating with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, we proudly guarantee the quality and authenticity of all our offerings. Get started on the procurement process with us today to learn more about how we can get you the items you need with time and cost savings!