Mechanical solution to gas strut unreliability
1 min read
A mechanical stainless steel strut called the mStrut has been developed by Associated Spring as a reliable alternative to gas struts, which are widely used to ease the effort of lifting or lowering interior hinged bulkheads.
A perennial problem with gas struts, especially when used at low temperatures is that their efficiency degrades over time as seals deteriorate and gas leaks out. They become unreliable and eventually stop working and have to be replaced. Degradation can be sudden, leading to unscheduled maintenance and the costs of unplanned downtime.
"A mechanical strut offers a much greater flexibility in compression ratio than a gas strut," explained Associated Spring's engineering manager Chris Englefield. "High force gas struts result in more effort in movement at one end of the operation, either to pull down the bulkhead form the roof, or when lifting it up. We are able to offer a product which helps balance out the effort required and gives the operator fingertip control."
The mStrut is available for fitting to any bulkhead with rod-end bearings as the standard. However, alternative end fittings can be incorporated. There is no risk of contamination from corrosion and there are no seals to replace. The stainless steel spring and housing is maintenance-free during normal operations and is guaranteed for 10-years.
