Springs are like flexible elements! They store energy when you apply force, then release it when you let go. Springs in machine elements are crucial for:
- Energy storage (e.g., clock springs, garage doors)
- Force application (e.g., brakes, clamps)
- Vibration isolation (e.g., vehicle suspensions)
- Shock absorption
Type of springs
- Helical springs:
- Compression springs: get shorter under load (e.g., car suspension)
- Tension springs: stretch under load (e.g., garage door counterweights)
- Torsion springs: twist under load (e.g., mouse traps, door hinges)
- Leaf springs: flexible metal strips, often stacked (e.g., truck suspensions )
- Belleville springs: conical washers for high force in small spaces
- Constant force springs: flat strips providing consistent force (e.g., tape measures)
- Garter spring: a coiled spring that wraps around a component (e.g., oil seals, retaining rings)
- Cool spring(or clock spring): a flat, spiral-wound spring (e.g., clocks, power windows)
- Oil seal spring: typically a garter spring used to retain oil seals in place.
Spring design considerations:
- Material selection: Steel alloys, stainless steel, or specialized materials for corrosion resistance, high temp, etc.
- Spring rate (k): Stiffness of the spring – force required for deflection
- Load capacity: Max load the spring can handle without failing
- Deflection: How much the spring compresses or extends under load
- Fatigue life: Cycles to failure under repeated loads
- Stress: Wire stress, surge, and distribution
- End configurations: How the spring ends are designed (e.g., hooks, loops)
Note 6
Title; springs
Part 1; Machine elements
Collection; The art of doing science and engineering
Put together by; Mustapha Cisse
Presented by; Amabros technical company.