Innovative hydraulic brake cylinder with separately-adjustable extension and retraction speed (HBD-70)

In close cooperation with one of the leading sports physicians in Germany, ACE Stoßdaempfer GmbH has developed a feed control / hydraulic damper with a precise variable setting adjustment independently in both the compression and tension directions. Since they are already used extensively in rehabilitation and fitness devices, and very effectively support muscle training, the new models with the type designation HBD-70 are already called "Fit Dampers". However, the innovative hydraulic feed control / hydraulic damper guarantee more flexibility in many other applications as well.

With the development of the HBD-70, the braking and damping Specialist Company from Langenfeld once more consolidates its reputation as the partner providing solutions for its customers. This is because the hydraulic feed control / damper was initially developed and applied according to the wishes of one of the best known German sports physicians. The latter was looking for a machine element for his fitness and rehabilitation devices, which was adjustable in the assembled condition both in the compression as well as in the tension direction. In this way, therapists and patients should be able to change the damping force to the individual’s best setting-adjustment on the device in every case. ACE made this wish a reality with this innovation, and physicians can now use the HBD-70 successfully in their work in fitness and rehabilitation therapy. For this reason, the new model from ACE has already been given the nickname "Fit Damper".

Innovation for compression and tension forces up to 10,000 N
With the introduction of this modern machine element, ACE extends the spectrum in the area of hydraulic dampers / feed controls which are mainly used as solutions if oscillating masses are to be damped in both directions. The special feature of the HBD-70 is that the extension and retraction speeds can be controlled separately from each other at all times. Produced in series as a so-called dual flow damper system, the oil flow can be exactly regulated and adjusted simply and quickly using high precision metering orifices in the cylinder, one for the compression direction and one for the tension direction. With this system, it is possible to achieve a speed control which produces almost no free-travel. The compression and tension forces can be between 150 N and 10,000 N. In this way, the innovation exceeds by a factor of five the maximum absorbing power capacities of an already available comparable series from ACE, the model DVC Series. With a cylinder diameter of 70 mm and strokes from 100 to 500 mm, the damper always works without any free-travel.

ACE innovative and appropriate accessory solutions convince customers
The new HBD hydraulic damper is adjustable very exactly and precisely using the two above-designated adjustment elements. This high precision metering orifice setting-adjustment has been successfully employed by ACE for years in VC feed controls, which can be regulated but only in the retraction direction. Customers reacted extremely positively to this solution, since the precision metering orifice, as a result of its easy and rapid adjustment, provides for a significant plus in convenience for the respective user. In addition, for its simple integration into fitness devices, as well as into other devices, the Hydraulic damper can be mounted in any convenient installation position.

One reason why this new solution from ACE is used successfully in the fitness and rehabilitation sector is the rather weak efficiency of the person. Between 75 and 80 percent of the energy generated by people in movement is converted into heat. In this case, even less power is available to the person to produce concentric movements than for eccentric movements. In the case of exercise machines it is difficult to achieve a full exercise cycle to compensate for this variance and where necessary compensate for the difference in musculature of the individual patient. With the precise control of the damping forces in each direction of movement with the HBD-70 the physiotherapists can compensate fully for this and provide the perfect solution.

For the provider of the fitness devices, it was also important in his decision in favor of ACE that the company from Langenfeld produces all individual parts in Germany, and to the appropriate quality standards. Included are hard, chromium-plated piston-rod and the black-coated outer body, as well as the end connectors produced from galvanized steel. The great variety of options of the latter will be of further interest to other users. This is because, in addition to the service of the Rhineland Company, they enable design engineers maximum freedom in the planning, application and mounting for their machines and systems. In addition ACE, also supplies the HBD-70 to order with special length, strokes and seals, as well as connections. Employment in other areas outside of the fitness and rehabilitation sector is therefore well covered by the innovative HBD-70 hydraulic damper / feed control.

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