Rigid in Compression Locking Gas Springs
Our Rigid in Compression Locking gas springs incorporate a mechanism enabling the user to “lock” the rod at any point in its travel. As the name suggests, these springs are fully rigid when subjected to compressive forces when locked, while allowing the rod to flex when subjected to tensile loads which exceed specified limits. These limits are controlled by parameters such as the rod size, the body size and the P1 force.
Please contact our technical sales team to assist you in specifying the correct spring configuration for your application.
Rigid in Compression locking springs must be used in a rod-down orientation unless an “oil chamber” system is fitted.
These locking springs can be supplied with motion control features at two (low-high) damping settings or tailored to your specific needs. While Flexible springs are partially damped (see section 6.3) products, the other two types are fully damped.
A compressive or tensile overload function can be added to our locking springs for manual override of the locking mechanism. This feature allows for fast or emergency override of the spring’s locking feature and prevents damage to the application or spring. For example, locking springs fitted on airline seats are fitted with tensile overload valves, allowing quick seat retraction by the crew.
Locking Gas Spring Comparison Chart
| FLEXIBLE | RIGID IN TENSION | RIGID IN COMPRESSION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigidity in Tension | Good | Fully Rigid | High |
| Rigidity in Compression | Good | High | Fully Rigid |
| Release Valve Option | Yes | Yes | No |
| Typical Applications | Chair backs, seat height adjusters and equipment for the physically disabled where the flexing gives a comfortable "bouncy" feel. Further applications are those where no or little extra force is applied once the gas spring has been locked such as VDU height adjustment. | Applications for rigid in tension gas springs include hospital beds, aircraft, coach and rail seat back recline control and wheel chair recline and support systems. | Applications include operating, massage and veterinary tables and wheel chair recline and support systems. This type of locking gas spring is always used where no movement can be tolerated when the apparatus is in its locked position. |