Gas Spring End Fitting With Lever Release and Threaded Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas spring connectors fail under high stress, leading to unintentional separation from the socket, necessitating improved designs for secure and easy disconnection.
Innovation Solution
An end fitting with a drop-in threaded insert, a spring mechanism, and a release lever that allows for quick and secure disconnection of the gas spring from its connector, utilizing a harder material for the insert to enhance strength and ease of manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional quick release socket connector is used for gas springs, then the connector can be easily disconnected, but the connector fails under high stress and force causing unintentional separation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a spring-loaded mechanism where the spring maintains constant pressure on the ball connector to ensure secure engagement during normal operation, while the release lever provides dynamic control for intentional disconnection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes the engagement state through parameter changes: the spring force parameter maintains high engagement pressure for stability, while the release lever introduces a controlled force parameter change to override the spring force and enable disconnection
2Ease of manufacture
If the threaded insert is integrated into the molded end fitting, then the manufacturing process becomes complex with over-molding, but the thread pattern may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded insert is segmented as a separate component from the molded end fitting body, allowing each part to be manufactured independently with optimal processes - the insert via threading operations and the body via molding, then assembled together
Solution Approach 2:
The compartment in the end fitting serves as an intermediary structure that receives and secures the separate threaded insert, allowing the insert to be positioned and fixed without direct integration into the molded material
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The end fitting provides enhanced strength and ease of use, allowing secure disconnection and reconnection of gas springs under stress, particularly suitable for automotive applications like truck bed covers.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is engaged to the fitting body. The spring is configured to move between a relaxed configuration and a biased configuration
Implementation Method 2
A release lever is rotatably engaged to the fitting body. The release lever is configured to bias the spring and move the spring to the biased configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An end fitting for a gas spring is described. The end fitting includes a fitting body. The fitting body includes a socket opening, a shaft opening, and a compartment. The end fitting includes a spring. The spring is engaged to the fitting body. Ends of the spring hold a ball connector in a ball and socket fashion. The end fitting includes a release lever. The release lever is rotatably engaged to the fitting body and moves the ends of the spring to hold or release the ball connector. The end fitting includes a threaded insert that is positioned in the compartment. The end fitting receives a threaded connection from the gas spring.