Abstract: A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a piston assembly, a dye, and a dye containment seal. The housing includes an inner surface defining a chamber extending along a centerline. The chamber includes a working portion and a dye storage portion disposed axially adjacent to the working portion. The piston assembly is constructed and arranged to reciprocate within the working portion, and the dye is located in the dye storage portion. The dye containment seal is disposed in the dye storage portion, and is constructed and arranged to transfigure from a normal state to a dye release state thereby releasing the dye upon the piston assembly.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a rod, and a seal. The rod extends along a centerline and is spaced radially inward from the housing to axially move between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing. The seal includes an outer portion engaged to the housing, an inner portion in sliding contact with the rod, and a mid-portion spanning between and engaged to the inner portion and the outer portion during normal operation. The mid-portion is constructed and arranged to break after about a predetermined number of gas strut actuations.

Abstract: A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a rod, and a seal. The rod extends along a centerline and is spaced radially inward from the housing to axially move between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing. The seal includes an outer portion engaged to the housing, an inner portion in sliding contact with the rod, and a mid-portion spanning between and engaged to the inner portion and the outer portion during normal operation. The mid-portion is constructed and arranged to break after about a predetermined number of gas strut actuations.

Abstract: A gas strut active monitoring system for a gas strut includes a gas strut wear monitor connected to a base end of the gas strut and a strut end. The gas strut wear monitor is removable from the gas strut such that the gas strut is replaceable without replacing the gas strut wear monitor. The gas strut wear monitor is configured to monitor an output force of the gas strut, and output a signal indicative of a maintenance recommendation for the gas strut based on the output force.

Abstract: A gas strut includes a housing, a piston assembly, a dye, and a dye containment seal. The housing includes an inner surface defining a chamber extending along a centerline. The chamber includes a working portion and a dye storage portion disposed axially adjacent to the working portion. The piston assembly is constructed and arranged to reciprocate within the working portion, and the dye is located in the dye storage portion. The dye containment seal is disposed in the dye storage portion, and is constructed and arranged to transfigure from a normal state to a dye release state thereby releasing the dye upon the piston assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes a closure panel. The closure panel has an interior surface with a receiving aperture disposed thereon. The closure panel is movable between a closed position and an open position. The assembly additionally includes a support member with a proximal end and a distal end. The support member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The assembly further includes a retention element disposed at the distal end. The retention element is configured to deformably engage with the receiving aperture when the closure panel is in the open position and the support member is in the deployed position. The retention element thereby retains the closure panel in the open position.