Rate Controls Design Overview

Adjustable Double Acting Rate Controls

Enidine Double Acting Adjustable (ADA) rate controls control the velocity of both linear and rotational loads throughout their entire motion. Adjustment cartridges on the ADA 500 Series allow flexibility in controlling the speed for an applied force in both the tension and compression directions. Maximum damping is achieved by turning the adjustment knob to the number eight (8) setting, while turning the knob to the zero (0) setting provides minimal resistance. Interchangeable, threaded, fixed-orifice cartridges can provide consistent, tamper-resistant damping to meet particular application requirements.

The ADA 500 Series utilizes two independent adjustment cartridges for motion control in each direction, housed in the cylinder end. The ADA 700 Series has independently controlled tension and compression capabilities located at each end of the unit.

Resistance is controlled by using a wrench key at either end of the rate control and adjusting the movement by following the stiffer (+) or softer (-) indications. When the rate control is compressed, the oil is orificed through the compression adjustment cartridge and flows freely through the tension adjustment cartridge. The tension cartridge check ball unseats and allows free flow of the oil to the rod end of the shock tube. A foam accumulator is utilized to accept the volume of oil displaced by the piston rod. When the rate control is extended, oil is moved through an internal flow path in the shock tube and is orificed through the tension adjustment cartridge. The compression cartridge check ball unseats and allows free flow of the oil into the blind end of the shock tube.

Non-Adjustable Rate Controls

DA Series rate controls are ideally suited for high-energy, heavy load applications requiring rate control in tension, compression or both directions. These non-adjustable, custom-orificed units are designed to specific input conditions, and allow for single and multiple orifice configurations.

Upon compression of the rate control, the compression check ball seats. As the piston head moves, oil is forced through the orifice hole(s) located in the shock tube, producing the required damping force. After the oil has passed through the orifice hole(s), a portion of the oil passes through the extension check valve and fills the rod end of the shock tube. The remainder of the oil volume displaced by the piston rod compresses the foam accumulator. Upon extension of the rate control, the extension check ball seats. As the piston head moves, oil is forced through the orifice hole(s) located in the shock tube producing the required damping force. The compression check ball is unseated by the flow of oil which fills the blind end of the shock tube.