Air Spring?

[FRC2006_39]

I hope this is not a duplicate but I do not see our previous posts.

Can we use a pneumatic actuator as an air spring? This would involve plugging one of the vent holes and using the trapped air against the piston as a spring. There would be no further plumbing or pneumatic components connected to this sealed pneumatic actuator.

Note that some scenarios the position of the piston in the actuator will cause the air to compress and may result in pressure that is greater than 60 psig in the compressed air in sealed pneumatic actuator. With the pressure at atmospheric pressure (0 psig) when the air spring is fully extended, it is possible to reach over 60 psig at compression of ~5.5:1. Would this violate any of the pneumatics rules if we exceeded 60 psig at some compression scenarios.

If the above does not violate any rules, can we pre-pressurize the extended air spring to a pressure less than 60 psig and then during the game compress the air spring by some means it knowing that the pressure may exceed 60 psig in the compressed state?

If the above does not violate any rules, can we start the game with the spring in teh compressed state knowing that the trapped air in the sealed actuator may be at a pressure greater than 60 psig.

Note that the intent is to achieve the same function as the nitrogen filled springs commonly used to lift hoods and hatches in automotive applications but without the damping.

[GDC]

No, this would not be permitted. In the described configuration, the contained air can easily be compressed to a point where it would exceed the permitted pressures. This would be a violation of multiple rules.

Note however that, under Rule <R87>, commercial closed-loop pneumatic (gas) shocks - which are designed for this purpose - may be used to perform this function.