SPRINGS ; Machine elements (Note 06)

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.