Gas Spring Trigger Lever Mechanism for Low-Force Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas spring devices require significant forces to trigger and have difficulty in regulating gas spring speed due to complex lever mechanisms, making them impractical for various applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact gas spring release device with a gas spring connection unit featuring a transverse connection recess and form-fitting means for secure attachment, allowing for reliable operation in confined spaces without the need for lock nuts, and a lever mechanism within the housing for controlled actuation with low release forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple lever actuating element is used to press directly on the release point, then the device structure is simple, but considerable force is required to release the gas spring and the release force is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating element structureVSAvoidrelease force control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lever mechanism with movable components that can dynamically adjust the force application. The lever system includes a lever arm that pivots to provide mechanical advantage, transforming the actuating force into a controlled release force on the gas spring trigger, enabling easy operation while maintaining manageable actuating forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lever mechanism serves as an intermediary between the actuating element and the gas spring trigger. This intermediate lever system translates and controls the force transmission, providing force multiplication and directional control to achieve regulated release forces without requiring the actuating element to directly press on the trigger

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a through recess with internal thread is used for gas spring connection, then the connection is secure, but the device occupies more space and requires additional components like lock nuts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas spring connection reliabilityVSAvoidhousing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connection recess and locking function into a single integrated housing structure. The recess in the housing serves both as the mounting interface for the gas spring and as the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate lock nuts or additional securing components, thereby reducing space while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing recess is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the gas spring connection, acts as a locking mechanism through its geometric constraints, and serves as a mounting interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate components, reducing overall device volume while ensuring reliable connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If complex lever mechanisms are used to reduce release forces, then the release force can be controlled, but the device complexity increases and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease force controlVSAvoidlever mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a lever arm with defined pivot points, a trigger engagement section, and an actuating connection section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining force control capabilities through the coordinated action of simplified individual elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables reliable, space-efficient, and easily adaptable gas spring operation with reduced assembly complexity and improved safety, facilitating use in diverse geometric conditions.

Implementation Method 1

designed as a force- and/or displacement-translating lever arrangement with an actuating lever which is operatively connected to the actuating device, and at least one trigger lever which acts on the trigger and which interacts directly or indirectly with the actuating lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

Gas springs are known in a wide variety of practical designs. Many gas springs incorporate an integrated valve system, allowing the gas spring to be continuously locked or fixed in any position. The piston is sealed against a pressure tube, separating two gas chambers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas Compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3025069B1Device for triggering a gas spring
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 WANDSCHNEIDER GUIDO
  • EP3025069B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3025069B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3025069B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for triggering a gas spring (1), comprising an actuating device (2) and an actuating element (4) which is operatively connected to the actuating device (2) and acts on an end-side trigger (3) of the gas spring (1). The actuating element (4) acts directly or indirectly on the trigger (3) and is designed in particular as a lever arrangement (5) which reduces or multiplies the force and/or distance and which comprises an actuating lever, said lever arrangement being operatively connected to the actuating device (2). The device also comprises at least one trigger lever, which interacts directly or indirectly with the actuating lever and which acts on the trigger (3), and a housing (20), said housing (20) having a gas spring connection unit (70), in particular in the lower end wall of the housing, wherein the upper end region of the gas spring (1) can be connected to the trigger (3), which is guided into the interior of the housing (20), through said gas spring connection unit. The gas spring connection unit (70) is designed as a continuous opening, in particular with an inner thread. The invention is characterized in that means are provided in the region of the opening for fixing the gas spring (1) upper end region introduced into the opening in a clamping and/or formfitting manner.