Gas springs are commonly found in machines as well as certain types of furniture. Like all springs, they are designed to store mechanical energy. Gas springs are distinguished, however, by their use of gas. They use gas to store mechanical energy. While there are different types of gas springs, most of them consist of the following four main parts.
#1) Rod
The rod is a solid, cylindrical component that resides partially inside of the gas spring. Part of the rod is enclosed inside of the gas spring’s chamber, whereas the rest of the rod protrudes out of the gas spring. When exposed to a force, the rod will recede into the gas spring’s chamber.
#2) Piston
The piston is the part of a gas spring that’s attached to the rod. It resides completely inside of the gas spring. The piston will move in response to a force — just like the rod. The piston is simply located at the end of the rod. Exposure to a force will cause the rod and its contacted piston to move.
Pistons are designed to slide when exposed to a force. They’ll slide while allowing the rod to recede into the gas spring’s chamber. Gas springs have a rod, which is attached at the piston inside of the chamber.
#3) Seals
All gas springs have seals. Seals are necessary to prevent leaks. Gas springs live up to their namesake by containing gas. Within a gas spring’s chamber is inert gas. The inert gas is typically found around the rod and behind the piston. Exposure to a force will create pressure inside of the gas spring. The inert gas will compress, and assuming the gas spring is properly sealed, it will store the mechanical force of the acting force.
In addition to gas, most gas springs contain a lubricating oil. Seals protect both the gas and lubricating oil from leaking out of gas springs. At the same time, they allow gas springs to store mechanical energy by creating pressure inside of the chamber.
#4) End Attachments
Finally, many gas springs have end attachments. Also known as end fittings, end attachments are parts that are designed specifically for use on the end of a gas spring’s rod. The rod, of course, is the part of a gas spring that’s directly exposed to an acting force. For some applications, an end attachment may be required for the rod to function as intended.