mini (small) gas struts?

[julianf]

Ive just thought up a new box idea (those things i make) that could utilise a small gas strut (like the things that hold open hatchback boots)

I want it as small as possible. In an ideal world not more than 118mm when closed (between mounting point centres)

I know you can get this kind of stuff custom built, but my projected end price wont suffer that kind of thing, and its all low volume also, so i really need off-the-shelf cheapness, rather than special order.

Does anyone have any leads for me?

Again, small as possible when closed, no more than 118mm between centers.

Thank you.

 

[Ubique]

6mm Rod Fixed Force Gas Struts

6mm diameter fixed force gas struts manufactured in the UK by SGS and covered by a 2 year warranty.

www.sgs-engineering.com

 

[julianf]

6mm Rod Fixed Force Gas Struts

6mm diameter fixed force gas struts manufactured in the UK by SGS and covered by a 2 year warranty.

www.sgs-engineering.com

They are, basically, custom, at £40 a pair.

Im looking for more off-the-shelf, at this sort of pricing -

REJS 50NM GAS STRUT LID STAY CABINET DOOR HINGE SOFT OPEN/CLOSE + FIXINGS

REJS 50NM GAS STRUT LID STAY CABINET DOOR HINGE SOFT OPEN/CLOSE + FIXINGS in Home, Furniture & DIY, DIY Materials, Cabinet Hardware, Cabinet Door Dampers & Bumpers | eBay

www.ebay.co.uk

As i say, a £40 custom pair is unsustainable with the end price of the product.

 

[Ubique]

You didn't mention a price range, that is off the shelf as they are stock items. Have you thought to contact 'major_bollox' to enquire if he(?) can fulfil your needs? https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/major_bollox?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

 

[Trevorleach]

Camper vans seem to have small ones for their overhead lockers.

 

[8ob]

I bought some for the lid of my https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/trailer-gadget-mk2.108175/page-3

There are two types, one is just a kitchen cupboard damper for soft closing,the other is spring loaded and a damper. I bought the wrong ones

 

[Pete.]

The ebay advert claims a closed length of 110mm, that's within your spec isn't it?

 

[Justme]

NitroLift Boat Engine Hatch Gas Strut

A replacement gas strut for Boat Engine Hatch applications, replaces part number SX200P. This gas strut is covered by a 2 year warranty, manufactured in the UK and supplied with new end fixings.

www.sgs-engineering.com

 

[julianf]

The ebay advert claims a closed length of 110mm, that's within your spec isn't it?

Haha.... see, this is the kind of hand-holding i need!

Apologies.

Cant see the wood for the trees.


But... i cant get it to work in CAD at the moment anyway, as the closed vs open relationship isnt working.

Ill see if i cant take some screen grabs in a bit, so you can see what im trying to do.

 

[Ruffian]

As said above. Sgs engineering or kitchen cabinet ones.

 

[julianf]

What im trying to do is get two boxes to fold so as, when "closed" there is a 45mm gap maintained between them, and when "opened" there is a nice 70 degree (ish) tilt on the floating box. In the screen grab the angle is not far off 90, and the top unit is also being held above the lower, which is no good.

The holes are not fixed. They are what i have currently, but i can alter them, but im just finding it hard getting my head around how the top (moving) unit settles when held with one fixed length pivoting tie bar, and one variable length (gas strut) tie.

Im not sure i can do it, as, when closed, the distance is limited, and, when open, of course the open length is a function (which is always less than double) the closed length.

Its hurting my brain enough that i cant even read the auctions that im posting myself!

Attatched is the cad if anyone smarter than me sees an instant solution!

Thank you.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Hafele Duo Stay

• Unhanded design, mount on left or right hand of cabinet• Opening angle 75°, 90° or 110°• Adjustments available for height +/- 2mm, side +3/-1mm, tilt +/- 1.5mm• With braking and locking mechanisms, adjustable using an SW4 hex key• Self closing function• Clip-mounting on pre-mounted screw...

www.toolstation.com

Also this style

 

[voipio]

Based on the CAD drawing, the fixed length bar ideally needs to be fixed to a shaft passing through to the other end of the assembly to the equivalent bar on the other side, else the whole thing is going to be a bit "wobbly".

 

[julianf]

Ive realised that i really wasnt thinking straight on a few levels last night.

Of course, the moving box will never be in the air... It will sit on the table, at a distance determined by the length of the fixed length strut, and then the gas strut will just push the top out as far as it can.

Once i realised that (which is obvious in the cold light of day, and was probably obvious to other people here instantly anyway!) then the calculations become way simpler.

Ill mess about with it a bit more later. Thank you.

 

[bricol]

- I typed this last night - but didn't manage to hit "post" . . .

If both tie bars pivot at both ends, and there's no other constraint, then it's not going to end up with a 45mm gap - more a collapsed stack of rectangles off to the right.

 

[julianf]

- I typed this last night - but didn't manage to hit "post" . . .

If both tie bars pivot at both ends, and there's no other constraint, then it's not going to end up with a 45mm gap - more a collapsed stack of rectangles off to the right.

Yes... this is what i realised.

The 45mm gap is what the closed situation has to be though, im not so bothered about the open, it just needs to be a half pleasing angle.

So collapsed off to the right, but with a nice angle is probably fine, so long as its 45mm when closed.