Truck Bed Cover and Gas Spring Forces

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and calculation of gas spring forces for an aluminum truck bed cover. Participants explore the necessary forces, lengths, and mounting angles for the gas springs to ensure proper functionality and ease of use. The conversation includes considerations of geometry, weight distribution, and the mechanics of opening and closing the cover.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Brian outlines the specifications of the truck bed cover, including weight, dimensions, and desired opening angle, and seeks guidance on gas spring selection and mounting.
  • Some participants suggest that the placement and angle of the gas springs will significantly affect the required force due to lever action, emphasizing the importance of drawing diagrams to visualize the setup.
  • Terry proposes a method involving drawing arcs to determine the optimal mounting points for the gas springs based on the center of gravity and the angles of the cover in both open and closed positions.
  • There is discussion about the potential dangers of having excess strut force when the cover is closed, which could lead to safety issues when opening the cover.
  • Brian expresses uncertainty about the calculations involved, particularly regarding how the angle of the gas spring affects the force exerted.
  • Participants mention the use of CAD programs for visualizing and calculating the necessary forces and angles, suggesting that trial and error may be part of the process.
  • There is a request for clarification on the formulas and methods for calculating the forces exerted by the gas springs, with Brian admitting to a lack of familiarity with the necessary math.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for careful consideration of geometry and forces involved in the design, but multiple competing views remain regarding the optimal configurations and calculations. The discussion has not reached a consensus on a specific solution or method.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the calculations may involve trial and error, and there are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the forces and angles of the gas springs. The discussion also highlights the dependence on the specific mounting positions and the geometry of the cover.

  • #31
Just as i think i might be starting to understand, things complicate further. :(

I think i have somewhat of an idea anyhow, so i will continue with making the cover, and finding the possible mounting locations, calculate what i think i have learned to be close, and probably post up again with actual figures and maybe with a little help, I can find atleast a range that i should try, and then just try it. I don't have to be spot on, but close would be helpful. It will probably be atleast a week or so before i get all the parts and materials and get it made.

The other option that i know i could handle (non smart version, less brain and more physical) is making the cover and upper mount, and then a makeshift lower mount that i could attach a scale to, and a solid rod in place of the spring, and see what the force or lbs is on the scale when just starting to lift, and at open position. Probably could have done that already by now. :)

Brian
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Force Required for Gas Struts on 1972 VW T2 Danbury Pop top campervan?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
High School Can a Fire Tornado Flip an 8 Ton Truck?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Work-Energy Theorem for Moving Block and Spring System?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Gas Spring and Linear Actuator calculation....
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Solving the Block-on-Spring Problem Using Forces
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
Undergrad Mass of Backpack in Moving Elevator
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
How much force can a truck seat back cushion absorb during a collision?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Is Hooke's law really not working, or is it me being dummy?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
How to calculate the stiffness of a spring wire cantilever beam?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K