Gas Spring Piston With Partial Bellows Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas spring assemblies are inadequate in supporting lateral loads, often requiring additional components that increase costs and complexity, and can result in reduced performance due to gaps between the piston and structural components, leading to decreased spring rate.
Innovation Solution
A gas spring assembly with a piston design that includes radially-extending support walls and recesses to securely engage a structural projection, allowing for effective transfer of lateral loads without additional fasteners and minimizing the risk of the flexible sleeve rolling off, thus maintaining performance under various operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional gas spring assemblies are used with standard mounting arrangements, then axial load support is adequate, but lateral load support is insufficient and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lateral load support function with the existing piston structure by integrating recesses and support walls directly into the piston body. This merging eliminates the need for separate lateral load support components while maintaining adequate axial load support capability, thus improving lateral strength without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides axial load support through its primary structure and simultaneously provides lateral load support through integrated recesses and support walls. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both axial and lateral loading requirements, eliminating the need for additional specialized components
2Strength
If additional components are added to support lateral loads, then lateral load capacity improves, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral load support features (recesses and support walls) are integrated into the piston as a single monolithic component rather than being separate parts. This merging reduces the total component count, simplifies manufacturing processes, and eliminates the need for additional fasteners or assembly steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining enhanced lateral load capacity
3Ease of operation
If gaps are allowed between piston and structural components, then ease of installation improves, but spring rate and performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The piston design incorporates localized support walls and recesses that provide precise geometric engagement with corresponding structural components. This local quality enhancement ensures minimal gaps at critical interfaces while maintaining ease of installation through the overall design, thereby preserving spring rate and performance without sacrificing installation convenience
4Device complexity
If simple mounting arrangements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but lateral load resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is segmented into functional zones: the main body for axial load support, and integrated recesses with support walls for lateral load resistance. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while remaining part of a single component, achieving enhanced lateral load resistance without increasing overall device complexity
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 design enhances the ability to withstand lateral loads, reduces the need for extra components, and minimizes performance degradation by ensuring secure engagement and stable operation of the gas spring assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A quantity of pressurized gas, usually air, is contained within the spring chamber and acts on the spaced end members as well as opposing portions of the flexible wall to support the load of the sprung mass
Implementation Method 2
An outer side wall extends at least partially between the first and second ends and is suitable for rolling of the associated flexible sleeve therealong
Data Source
AI summary
A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.