Lateral support element, gas spring assembly and method

摘要

A lateral support element (304) include an element wall with a first surface facing away from an associated flexible wall (264) and a second surface facing toward the associated flexible wall. The lateral support element is disposed along the associated flexible wall such that an interface (334) is formed between an outer surface of the associated flexible wall and the second surface of the lateral support element. The interface is operative to generate a lateral spring-rate profile in an associated gas spring assembly that varies according to lateral displacement of the associated flexible wall and the lateral support element relative to one another. The interface can include a quantity of friction-reducing material and/or can be at least partially formed by a cross-sectional profile of the lateral support element that includes a convex profile segment. Gas spring assemblies and methods of assembly are also included.