Sealed Gas Spring Cover for Vehicle Panel Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas spring assemblies are vulnerable to external debris and dust, which can compromise the sliding capability of the rod and affect the operation of the piston assembly, as the rod is exposed during extension and compression, leading to potential contamination of the cylinder.
Innovation Solution
A resilient cover made from materials like thermoplastic elastomer is used to enclose the rod and provide sealed connections at both ends, creating a completely sealed environment for the gas spring assembly, protecting the rod and maintaining the integrity of the piston assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rod is exposed during extension and compression, then the gas spring assembly can move between extended and compressed positions, but the rod is vulnerable to external debris and dust that can compromise sliding capability and contaminate the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cover made of elastomeric material is used to enclose the rod throughout its entire range of motion. The cover extends from the rod end through the tube, creating a sealed environment that protects the rod from external debris and dust while allowing the rod to move freely between extended and compressed positions. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material enables the cover to accommodate rod movement without restricting operation.
2Reliability
If the rod is enclosed in a sealed cover, then protection from debris and dust is provided, but the cover must accommodate rod movement between extended and compressed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cover made of elastomeric material provides a simple yet effective solution to the contradiction. The single-piece flexible construction eliminates the need for complex joints, seals, or mechanical components that would be required with rigid enclosures. The elastomeric material's inherent flexibility allows the cover to expand and contract, bend and flex, to accommodate the rod's full range of motion while maintaining a continuous sealed environment for reliable protection.
3Reliability
If a cover is added to enclose the rod, then a sealed environment is created, but the cover material must be resilient to accommodate rod movement
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material inherently combines both sealing capability and flexibility. As a continuous flexible membrane, the cover creates an effective sealed environment that prevents contamination while its elastomeric properties enable it to stretch, compress, and flex to accommodate the rod's movement between extended and compressed positions. The material's resilience allows it to adapt to the dynamic geometry changes without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric material represents a specialized material selection that combines multiple properties: sealing capability, flexibility, and resilience. This material choice creates a composite solution that simultaneously addresses the contradictory requirements of maintaining a sealed environment while adapting to rod movement, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms and flexible structural components.
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 sealed cover effectively prevents debris and dust from entering the gas spring assembly, ensuring smooth operation and extended lifespan by maintaining a clean environment for the rod and piston assembly, even during exposure to external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A cover is attached to the gas spring assembly to protect the rod. The cover surrounds both the rod and the tube... The cover includes a first end that is sealed against the rod and a second end that is sealed against the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A gas spring assembly is used to control movement of a vehicle body panel relative to a vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a rod and piston that are received within a tube or cylinder. A first rod end is coupled to the piston to move the piston back and forth within the cylinder. A second rod end is mounted to one of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The cylinder is mounted to the other of the vehicle body panel or the vehicle body member. The gas spring assembly includes a resilient cover that covers the rod and cylinder and extends from the second rod end to a distal cylinder end. The resilient cover extends and retracts with rod movement and is sealed at each end of the resilient cover to provide a completely sealed gas spring assembly.