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2025 Catalog
Release Heads and System
Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems for Controlled Locking and Adjustment
Direct, Bowden cable and hydraulic release solutions for actuating the internal locking mechanism of a locking gas spring or locking gas strut.
Gas spring release heads and release systems are used to operate the internal locking mechanism of a locking gas spring, allowing the user to release, adjust and reposition the supported component whenever required. Depending on the application and regional terminology, these components may also be referred to as locking gas spring release heads, lockable gas spring release systems, gas spring release mechanisms, gas strut release heads or gas strut release systems.
Unlike a conventional gas spring, a locking gas spring contains an internal valve that must be actuated before the piston rod can move. The release head or actuation system transfers the user’s input to this valve, allowing the gas spring to move freely while the release mechanism is operated. Once the release is disengaged, the internal valve closes again and the gas spring holds the selected position.
At Newtone Gas Springs, we provide different release solutions for locking and lockable gas spring applications, including Direct Release Heads, Bowden Cable Release Systems and Hydraulic Release Systems. Each system is intended for a different operating arrangement, depending on where the user control is located, how frequently the equipment is adjusted and how the release force must be transmitted to the gas spring or gas strut.
These release systems are widely used in applications such as medical equipment, rehabilitation systems, adjustable furniture, operator seating, industrial machinery, workstations and specialised OEM products where controlled positioning forms an important part of the equipment’s function.
What Is a Gas Spring Release Head?
A gas spring release head is the mechanical interface used to actuate the release pin or valve of a locking gas spring. When the release head is pressed or operated through a connected control system, it transfers force to the gas spring’s internal valve and allows the piston rod to move. When the actuation force is removed, the valve closes and the gas spring returns to its locking function.
The release head therefore does not create the lifting force or locking force itself. Its purpose is to provide a reliable connection between the user control and the internal locking mechanism of the gas spring or gas strut. The design of the release head, actuation travel and operating method must all be compatible with the selected locking gas spring to ensure smooth and dependable operation.
Depending on the application, the release function can be operated directly at the gas spring or remotely through a Bowden cable release system or hydraulic release system. This flexibility allows engineers to position the user control where it is most practical without compromising the locking performance of the gas spring.
How Do Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems Work?
Gas spring release heads and release systems provide the actuation required to unlock a locking gas spring. Inside the gas spring, an internal valve controls the movement of the piston. When the valve is closed, the gas spring remains locked. When the release system actuates the valve, the piston rod can move, allowing the supported component to be repositioned.
User Operates the Control
The user activates a lever, handle, button or other control connected to the release system.
Input Transferred to the Release Head
The input is transmitted — directly, via Bowden cable or hydraulically — to the release head at the gas spring.
Internal Valve Opens
The release head actuates the release pin, the internal valve opens and the piston rod is free to move.
Application Repositioned
While the valve is open, the supported component can be moved to the required position.
Control Released, Valve Closes
Once the user releases the control, the valve closes again and the gas spring returns to its locking state.
The method used to transfer this actuation force depends on the design of the equipment. In some applications, the release head can be operated directly. In others, the control must be positioned away from the gas spring, making a Bowden cable release system or hydraulic release system more appropriate.
Types of Gas Spring Release Systems
Newtone offers different release configurations to accommodate varying installation geometries, operating distances and ergonomic requirements. The three principal solutions are Direct Release Heads, Bowden Cable Release Systems and Hydraulic Release Systems.
Direct Release Heads
A direct release head provides mechanical actuation directly at the locking gas spring. When the user operates the release head, the mechanism acts on the release pin and opens the internal valve. This allows the piston rod to move until the release action is stopped.
Direct release heads are particularly suitable when the gas spring and its release point are easily accessible and there is no need to locate the operating control elsewhere on the equipment. Their relatively simple mechanical arrangement can provide a compact and effective solution with fewer intermediate components.
Bowden Cable Release Systems
A Bowden cable release system allows a locking gas spring to be operated from a remote location. Instead of actuating the release head directly, the user’s input is transmitted mechanically through a flexible cable to the release mechanism at the gas spring.
This configuration gives designers greater freedom when positioning the operating lever or handle. The gas spring may be installed inside or underneath the equipment while the user control remains in an easily accessible and ergonomic location. Bowden cable systems are therefore particularly useful where direct access to the gas spring is impractical.
Correct cable routing is important. Excessively tight bends, unsuitable cable lengths or poor alignment can increase friction and affect the quality of the release action. The cable, release head and locking gas spring should therefore be considered together during system design.
Hydraulic Release Systems
A hydraulic release system provides another method of remotely actuating the locking gas spring. Instead of transferring the operating input through a mechanical cable, the release command is transmitted hydraulically between the user control and the release mechanism.
Hydraulic actuation can be particularly useful where the installation layout, operating distance or equipment design makes a direct mechanical connection less suitable. It also provides engineers with additional flexibility when integrating the locking gas spring into more complex adjustable equipment.
Direct vs. Bowden Cable vs. Hydraulic Release Systems
| Release System | Operating Principle | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Release Head | Mechanical actuation directly at the gas spring. | Compact installations where the release point is easily accessible. |
| Bowden Cable Release System | Mechanical release force transmitted through a flexible cable. | Applications requiring a remotely positioned lever or operating control. |
| Hydraulic Release System | Release command transmitted hydraulically to the gas spring mechanism. | Remote or more complex installations where flexible control positioning is required. |
Why Choose the Right Gas Spring Release System?
The performance of a locking gas spring release system depends not only on the gas spring itself, but also on how accurately and consistently the release command is transmitted to the internal valve. A correctly selected release head or actuation system helps provide smooth adjustment, dependable locking and comfortable operation throughout the life of the equipment.
Different applications require different methods of actuation. In some designs, a compact direct release head provides the simplest solution. In others, the operating control must be positioned away from the gas spring, making a Bowden cable release system or hydraulic release system more appropriate. The objective is not simply to release the gas spring, but to create a complete system that operates reliably within the geometry and ergonomic requirements of the equipment.
Key Benefits of Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems
| Benefit | Technical Advantage |
|---|---|
| Controlled Position Adjustment | Allows the locking gas spring to be released when adjustment is required and to return to its locking function when the release control is disengaged. |
| Direct or Remote Operation | The gas spring can be operated directly at the release head or remotely using Bowden cable or hydraulic actuation systems. |
| Flexible Control Positioning | Remote release systems allow the operating lever or control to be positioned where it is most accessible and comfortable for the user. |
| Improved Ergonomics | The release control can be integrated into handles, armrests, control panels or other convenient positions depending on the equipment design. |
| Compact System Integration | Release components can be incorporated into equipment where space is limited or where the locking gas spring itself is concealed from the user. |
| Application-Specific Configuration | Direct, cable-operated and hydraulic solutions allow engineers to select an actuation method that matches the installation geometry and functional requirements of the application. |
Remote Release for Greater Design Flexibility
One of the most important advantages of a remote gas spring release system is that the user does not need direct access to the locking gas spring. This is particularly useful when the gas spring is installed underneath a seat, inside a machine, behind a panel or within another part of the equipment.
With a Bowden cable release system, the operating control and the gas spring can be located in different areas of the equipment while remaining mechanically connected. The flexible cable transfers the user’s input to the release head, providing designers with greater freedom when determining the location of the gas spring and the user control.
A hydraulic release system provides another remote actuation option where the equipment layout or operating requirements make hydraulic transmission more suitable. The appropriate solution should be determined according to the installation distance, routing requirements, available space and desired operating characteristics.
Release System Compatibility Is Critical
A release head should not be selected only according to its physical connection to the gas spring. The required release travel, actuation force and operating geometry must also be compatible with the internal valve mechanism of the selected Locking Gas Spring.
Insufficient actuation may prevent the internal valve from opening completely, while an incorrectly designed mechanism can create unnecessary loads on the release components. For this reason, Newtone evaluates the locking gas spring, release head, cable or hydraulic actuation system and installation geometry as a complete functional assembly.
Release System Capability Comparison
The table below summarises which capabilities each release method typically supports, helping narrow down the right actuation approach for a given locking gas spring or gas strut installation.
| Capability | Direct Release Head | Bowden Cable System | Hydraulic System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local actuation at the gas spring | ● | — | — |
| Remote control positioning | — | ● | ● |
| Suitable for concealed gas spring installation | — | ● | ● |
| Flexible mechanical routing | — | ● | — |
| Suitable for complex equipment layouts | — | — | ● |
| Minimal component count | ● | — | — |
Applications of Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems
Gas spring release heads and release systems are used wherever a locking gas spring must be adjusted conveniently and then securely held in the required position. They are particularly valuable in equipment where frequent position changes, ergonomic operation or remote actuation are part of the normal user experience.
The appropriate solution depends on how the equipment is operated. A direct release head may be ideal when the locking gas spring is easily accessible, while Bowden cable release systems and hydraulic release systems allow the operating control to be positioned away from the gas spring. This flexibility makes release systems suitable for a broad range of adjustable industrial and OEM products.
Typical Industries and Applications
Medical Equipment
Controlled, repeatable adjustment of backrests, headrests, supports and examination surfaces, with remote release for accessible personnel operation.
Rehabilitation & Mobility Equipment
Frequent repositioning to accommodate different users and treatment procedures, with a release control placed for comfortable operation.
Adjustable Chairs & Seating
Operator seats and specialised chairs use release heads for backrest, seat or support adjustments, often via a Bowden cable lever.
Furniture & Ergonomic Equipment
Adjustable tables, workstations and specialised furniture integrate locking gas springs and release heads into the overall product design.
Industrial Machinery
Machine components, operator stations and control consoles use direct, cable-operated or hydraulic release systems during operation or maintenance.
Specialised OEM Equipment
Release head, control and actuation method selected around the equipment layout for products beyond standard off-the-shelf arrangements.
Choosing the Release Method for the Application
| Application Requirement | Typical Release Solution |
|---|---|
| Gas spring is directly accessible | Direct Release Head |
| User control must be positioned away from the gas spring | Bowden Cable Release System |
| Flexible mechanical routing is required | Bowden Cable Release System |
| Remote actuation is required in a more complex equipment layout | Hydraulic Release System |
| Control must be integrated into an ergonomic operating position | Bowden Cable or Hydraulic Release System |
| Compact and straightforward local actuation is preferred | Direct Release Head |
Integrating the Release System into the Equipment
The position of the release control should be considered early in the equipment design process. The user should be able to operate the mechanism comfortably while maintaining control of the component being adjusted. At the same time, the release head and transmission system must provide sufficient actuation to operate the locking gas spring consistently.
For Bowden cable systems, cable length, routing and bend radius should be considered carefully to minimise unnecessary friction and maintain consistent actuation. For hydraulic systems, the complete hydraulic release arrangement should be selected according to the required operating characteristics and equipment layout.
The most appropriate release system therefore depends on the complete application rather than the gas spring alone. Newtone can evaluate the locking gas spring, release head, remote control arrangement and installation geometry together to develop a solution that matches the functional requirements of the equipment.
How to Select the Right Gas Spring Release Head or Release System
Selecting the correct gas spring release head or release system requires more than choosing between direct, cable-operated and hydraulic actuation. The release system must be compatible with the locking gas spring, while also matching the installation geometry, control location and operating requirements of the equipment.
A well-matched system should transfer the user’s input to the gas spring’s release mechanism consistently and with sufficient actuation to open the internal valve. At the same time, the system should avoid unnecessary force, excessive travel or misalignment that could negatively affect operation. For this reason, the Locking Gas Spring and its release components should ideally be selected as one complete system.
Key Selection Factors
| Selection Factor | Engineering Consideration |
|---|---|
| Release Method | Determine whether the application requires direct mechanical actuation, remote Bowden cable operation or hydraulic release. |
| Control Location | Consider where the user needs to operate the adjustment mechanism in relation to the physical position of the locking gas spring. |
| Required Actuation Travel | The release system must provide sufficient movement to correctly actuate the release pin and internal valve of the selected locking gas spring. |
| Actuation Force | The mechanism must transmit adequate force for reliable release while maintaining comfortable and controlled user operation. |
| Installation Geometry | The orientation of the release head, available installation space and surrounding components should be considered during system design. |
| Operating Frequency | Applications requiring frequent adjustment should use a release arrangement designed for consistent and repeatable operation. |
| Environment | Temperature, humidity, contamination, corrosion exposure and other environmental conditions should be considered when selecting the complete release system. |
Method & Control Location
Actuation method and where the user needs to reach it in relation to the gas spring.
Travel & Force
Sufficient, repeatable movement and force to fully actuate the internal valve.
Geometry & Environment
Installation space, operating frequency and environmental exposure of the complete system.
When Should You Choose a Direct Release Head?
A Direct Release Head is generally the most straightforward solution when the locking gas spring and its release point are easily accessible. The user or an integrated mechanical component operates the release mechanism directly, eliminating the need to transmit the release command over a separate distance.
Direct actuation can be particularly useful in compact equipment where simplicity and limited component count are important. However, the location and orientation of the release head must still allow reliable actuation of the gas spring’s release pin.
When Should You Choose a Bowden Cable Release System?
A Bowden Cable Release System is particularly useful when the user control needs to be located away from the locking gas spring. The flexible cable allows a lever, handle or other control to be positioned in an ergonomic and easily accessible location while mechanically transmitting the release action to the gas spring.
Cable length and routing are important design considerations. Excessive bends or unsuitable routing can increase friction within the system and reduce the amount of actuation reaching the release head. For reliable operation, the Bowden cable, operating control and release head should therefore be evaluated together.
When Should You Choose a Hydraulic Release System?
A Hydraulic Release System is an alternative for applications requiring remote actuation where the equipment layout or functional requirements make hydraulic transmission appropriate. It allows the user control and locking gas spring to be separated while transmitting the release command through the hydraulic system.
This type of solution can be particularly useful in specialised equipment with more complex layouts or where the required control position makes direct mechanical actuation less practical. As with other release methods, compatibility with the locking gas spring’s release requirements remains essential.
Information Required to Select the Correct Release System
When developing a new application, providing information about both the locking gas spring and the equipment helps our engineering team determine the most appropriate release solution. Technical drawings are particularly useful, but photographs and basic dimensions can also provide valuable information during the initial evaluation.
| Application Information | Why It Is Important |
|---|---|
| Locking Gas Spring Specifications | Helps determine compatibility with the required release head and actuation characteristics. |
| Available Installation Space | Determines which release head and operating arrangement can be integrated into the equipment. |
| Desired Control Position | Helps determine whether direct, Bowden cable or hydraulic actuation is most appropriate. |
| Distance Between Control and Gas Spring | Important when evaluating remote release solutions. |
| Technical Drawings or CAD Data | Allow the complete installation geometry and release arrangement to be evaluated more accurately. |
| Application Photographs | Provide useful context regarding available space, accessibility and surrounding components. |
| Operating Environment | Helps identify environmental conditions that may influence component and system selection. |
Custom Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems for OEM Applications
Many gas spring release systems are integrated into equipment with specific dimensional, ergonomic and operating requirements. For this reason, the release mechanism should be considered as part of the complete motion control system rather than as an isolated accessory. At Newtone Gas Springs, we work with OEM manufacturers to develop release solutions that are compatible with the locking gas spring, installation geometry and intended method of operation.
Depending on the equipment design, the most appropriate solution may be a compact Direct Release Head, a remotely operated Bowden Cable Release System or a Hydraulic Release System. The objective is to ensure that the user’s input is transferred reliably to the release mechanism while maintaining smooth adjustment and dependable locking performance.
Engineering the Release System as a Complete Assembly
A successful release system depends on the interaction between several components. The Locking Gas Spring, release head, operating control and transmission method must work together to provide the required actuation travel and force.
Our engineering team can evaluate the complete arrangement, including the location of the gas spring, available installation space, position of the user control, required operating distance and surrounding equipment geometry. This system-level approach is particularly important for OEM applications where the locking gas spring may be concealed or where the operating control must be positioned at a specific ergonomic location.
OEM Release System Configuration Options
| System Parameter | Engineering Consideration |
|---|---|
| Release Head Configuration | Selected according to the locking gas spring interface, available installation space and required actuation arrangement. |
| Actuation Method | Direct mechanical, Bowden cable or hydraulic operation can be selected according to the equipment design. |
| Control Position | The lever, handle or operating control can be positioned according to accessibility and ergonomic requirements. |
| Operating Distance | Remote systems can be configured according to the required distance between the user control and the locking gas spring. |
| Release Travel | The actuation system must provide sufficient travel to operate the release mechanism of the selected locking gas spring correctly. |
| Actuation Force | The complete mechanism should transmit sufficient force for dependable release without creating unnecessary loads on the components. |
| Cable Routing | For Bowden cable systems, cable length, routing and bend conditions should be considered to minimise friction and maintain consistent operation. |
| Operating Environment | Environmental exposure, temperature, contamination and corrosion requirements should be considered when defining the complete system. |
Bowden Cable Release Systems for Custom Equipment
Bowden cable release systems provide considerable design flexibility because the user control does not need to be located directly beside the gas spring. This is particularly useful when a locking gas spring is installed inside a machine, underneath a seat, behind a panel or within another concealed area of the equipment.
For an OEM project, the cable arrangement should be developed around the actual installation. Cable length and routing influence how effectively the operating input is transmitted to the release head. A poorly routed cable with unnecessary bends can increase friction and reduce the effective movement reaching the gas spring release mechanism.
For this reason, Newtone evaluates the Bowden cable, release head and locking gas spring as interconnected components rather than selecting each part independently.
Hydraulic Release Systems for Specialised Designs
A hydraulic gas spring release system can be considered when remote actuation is required and the equipment configuration makes hydraulic transmission suitable. This provides another way of separating the user’s operating control from the physical location of the locking gas spring.
For specialised OEM equipment, hydraulic actuation can provide additional flexibility when integrating the release function into a complex mechanical layout. The complete arrangement should still be matched carefully to the release requirements of the locking gas spring to ensure consistent operation.
Prototype Testing Before Serial Production
For new OEM applications, prototype evaluation is particularly valuable. Testing the complete assembly allows engineers to verify the release action, control position, operating force, adjustment behaviour and re-locking performance under actual installation conditions before moving into serial production.
If a Bowden cable system is used, prototype testing can also help optimise cable routing and control placement. Where a hydraulic system is selected, the complete release response can be evaluated within the actual equipment configuration.
Customers can provide technical drawings, CAD data, photographs, existing components or application samples to support the development process. Based on this information, our engineering team can evaluate the most appropriate release concept and its compatibility with the locking gas spring.
From Prototype to OEM Production
Newtone supports projects from initial technical evaluation and prototype development through to serial OEM production. Whether the application requires a straightforward direct release arrangement or a customised remote release system, the objective remains the same: to provide reliable actuation, smooth adjustment and consistent locking performance within the finished equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Spring Release Heads & Systems
What is a gas spring release head?
A gas spring release head is a mechanical component used to actuate the release pin or valve of a locking gas spring. When the release head is operated, it transfers the required movement to the internal valve, allowing the piston rod to move. When the release action stops, the valve closes and the gas spring returns to its locking function.
What is a gas spring release system used for?
A gas spring release system allows the user to unlock a locking gas spring temporarily so that the supported component can be repositioned. Once the desired position is reached and the release control is disengaged, the gas spring locks again according to its designed locking characteristics.
Do release heads work with standard gas springs?
Release heads are primarily designed for Locking Gas Springs equipped with an actuatable internal valve. A conventional compression gas spring does not normally require a release head because its piston rod is designed to extend and compress without an externally operated locking valve.
What is the difference between a direct release head and a remote release system?
A direct release head actuates the locking gas spring directly at its installation point. A remote release system allows the user control to be positioned away from the gas spring. Remote actuation can be achieved using solutions such as a Bowden cable release system or a hydraulic release system.
How does a Bowden cable gas spring release system work?
A Bowden cable release system mechanically transfers movement from a remotely positioned lever or control to the release head installed at the locking gas spring. Operating the control pulls or moves the inner cable, transmitting the required actuation to the gas spring release mechanism.
When should I use a Bowden cable release system?
A Bowden cable system is particularly useful when the locking gas spring is concealed, difficult to reach or located away from the preferred operating position. It allows the user control to be placed in a more convenient or ergonomic location while maintaining mechanical actuation of the gas spring.
What is a hydraulic gas spring release system?
A hydraulic gas spring release system transmits the release command hydraulically between the user control and the release mechanism of the locking gas spring. It provides an alternative to direct mechanical or Bowden cable actuation for applications where remote operation and equipment geometry make hydraulic transmission appropriate.
How do I choose between direct, Bowden cable and hydraulic release systems?
The correct choice depends on the location of the locking gas spring, distance to the user control, available installation space, equipment geometry and required operating characteristics. Direct release is generally suitable when the gas spring is easily accessible, while Bowden cable and hydraulic systems provide greater flexibility when remote actuation is required.
Why are release travel and actuation force important?
The release system must provide sufficient movement and force to actuate the locking gas spring’s release mechanism correctly. Insufficient travel or force may prevent complete valve actuation, while an incorrectly matched mechanism can create unnecessary loads on the release components. For this reason, release head compatibility should be evaluated together with the locking gas spring.
Does Bowden cable routing affect release performance?
Yes. Cable length, routing and bend conditions can influence friction and the amount of movement transmitted to the release head. Unnecessary or tight bends may reduce actuation efficiency, so the cable path should be considered carefully when designing a Bowden cable gas spring release system.
Can gas spring release systems be customised for OEM equipment?
Yes. Release systems can be developed according to the locking gas spring, control position, installation geometry, required operating distance and actuation method of the OEM application. Direct release, Bowden cable and hydraulic configurations can be evaluated according to the specific requirements of the equipment.
What information is required to select the correct release system?
Useful information includes the locking gas spring specifications, available installation space, desired control position, distance between the control and gas spring, application photographs and technical drawings or CAD data. This information helps our engineering team evaluate the appropriate release head and determine whether direct, Bowden cable or hydraulic actuation is most suitable.
Related Technical Articles
Explore our technical resources to learn more about locking gas springs, gas spring technologies and the engineering considerations involved in developing reliable motion control solutions for industrial and OEM applications.
Related Products
Release heads and actuation systems form part of a complete locking gas spring assembly. Explore the related Newtone products below when developing or specifying your motion control system.
Let’s Develop the Right Gas Spring Release System for Your Application
A reliable gas spring release system depends on correct compatibility between the locking gas spring, release head and method of actuation. Release travel, operating force, control position, installation geometry and the distance between the user control and the gas spring should all be considered when developing the complete system.
Whether your application requires a compact Direct Release Head, a remotely operated Bowden Cable Release System or a Hydraulic Release System, our engineering team can help determine the most appropriate configuration for your equipment. The objective is to provide dependable valve actuation, comfortable user operation and consistent locking and release performance.
For new OEM developments, we can evaluate the release system together with the Locking Gas Spring rather than treating the components independently. This allows the release mechanism, operating control and gas spring characteristics to be matched to the actual installation from the beginning of the project.
You are welcome to send us your technical drawings, CAD models, application photographs, existing gas spring specifications or samples. Even if the complete release system has not yet been defined, our engineers can review your application and help determine whether direct, Bowden cable or hydraulic actuation is the most suitable approach.
Need Help with a Locking Gas Spring Release System?
Contact Newtone Gas Springs for technical support, release system selection or a customised quotation. From individual release heads to complete Bowden cable and hydraulic release solutions, we support OEM manufacturers from initial application evaluation and prototype development through to serial production.
Contact Newtone Gas Springs