Gas Spring Protection Flange for Overstroke Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas springs in sheet metal forming processes face issues with unnecessary triggering of overstroke protection, leading to damage and reduced working life due to improper control of pressing cycles, especially when connected via hose coupling or during servicing.
Innovation Solution
A gas spring design featuring a protection mechanism with a radially extending flange that distributes axial forces between the guide and cylinder wall, delaying the activation of overstroke protection and preventing unnecessary triggering by distributing the force and facilitating controlled gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the guide is pushed into the tube during overstroke, then the tube is protected, but the working life is reduced due to unnecessary triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element transitions from a static position on the guide to a dynamic state where it can engage with the tube only during axial displacement. This dynamic design allows the protection mechanism to adapt to operational conditions, engaging only during actual overstroke events rather than remaining in constant contact, thereby extending working life while maintaining tube protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the protection element mounted on the guide, the gap between guide and tube, and the tube itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the protection element serving as a sacrificial component that absorbs overstroke forces without involving the tube, thus preserving tube strength and extending working life.
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 solution reduces the risk of unnecessary overstroke protection activation, extends the working life of gas springs by preventing uncontrolled gas leakage and maintaining the ability to support the blank holder, while allowing for controlled pressure release during overstroke events.
Implementation Method 1
a first part of the force is transmitted to the guide and a second part of the force to the cylinder wall
Data Source
AI summary
A gas spring consisting of a gas cylinder (2), a piston rod (3) which is movable in the axial direction in the gas cylinder (2), a guide (4), wherein an axially outwardly open gap (6) exists between the guide (4) and the gas cylinder. A protection (10) is arranged so that it extends radially over the width of the gap (6). The protection (10) is fixed in the guide (4) or in the cylinder wall (5). The protection is configured so that, when an axial force (F) is applied to the protection, a first part of the force (F) is transmitted to the guide (4) and a second part of the force to the cylinder wall (5), and thus the protection (10) relieves the load on the guide (4).