What is spring | Types of springs and applications

We have definitely seen many things in our surroundings which works on the basis of Springs. Springs are one the most important component now a days in every structure or machine elements.
Today we will learn about the springs, its functions and its different different types.

What is a spring ?

A spring is an elastic body, whose function is to distort or deflect when loaded, and similarly to recover its original shape when the load is removed.
Or we can say, Spring is an elastic machine element that can deflect under the application of load. When the load is removed, it regains its original position.

In other words, spring is a mechanical object made up of material having very high yield strength to restore elastic. It is used in various machines to absorb shocks or it also resist to transfer shocks and vibrations on various critical machine members.

Important applications of springs :

• To cushion, absorb or control energy due to either shock or vibrations. It is mainly used in car springs, railway buffers, aircraft landing gears, shock absorbers and vibration dampers.

• To apply forces, as in brakes, chatches, and spring loaded valves.

• To control motion by maintaining contact between two elements as in cams and followers.

• To measure forces, as in spring balances and engine indicators.

• To store energy, as in watches, toys etc..

Types of springs :

Though there are many types of the springs, yet the following, according to their shape, and quite important.

1.Helical Spring:

They are the most widely used Mechanical springs. In this type of spring the coil is wrapped around a cord. This type of resource is used to carry the power of Compression, Extension, and Torque.

In terms of loading helical springs are divided into the following four types.

• Open coil springs (or) Helical compression springs
• Closed coil springs (or) tension helical springs
• Torsion spring
• Spiral spring

a.) Tension Spring :

Tension Springs is also called Extension Springs. Spring tension is the opposite of compression spring. Gravity is used, which leads to spring expansion. These types of springs have a hook or extended eyes can be one or both ends

=>Applications:

• Lever methods
• Controversy over garage doors
• Measurement machine,
• Vise-grip pilers
• Garage door meetings

b.) Compression Spring :

These springs are an open helical spring coil. The helical coil is compressed or cut off from the load. It resists pressures or pressures. It also shows resistance to the force of the pressure line. Sometimes liquids act as sources of pressure as fluid-compression systems.

=>Application:

• Motorcycle’s suspensions.
• Pen
• Lock
• Couches
• Lighter

C) Torsion spring :

In this type of spring the load on the coil is torque or twisting force. In other words, Helical springs can capture and release angular forces. Or these springs are trying to hold the system in place. After twisting, the helical coil uses the same force to the other side. Torsion springs are used in rotation applications Under 360 degrees. These springs have clockwise or anti-antilock rotations.

=>Applications:

• Mouse trap
• Rocker switches
• Clothing PIN
• Car launchers
• Door hinges

d.) Spiral Springs :

Spiral spring is also known as clock spring or Constant force spring. Several times a metal band around to make this kind of springs. These types of sources emit constant energy. These types of springs are used in machines that need to rotate several times and at the same time should release the same amount of load regularly. These types of springs are used when additional power is required. Some of these springs have a greater obligation to provide flu circulation. These types of resources are used in complex tasks

=>Applications:

• Car seats
• Alarm clock
• watch
• Window Regulators
• DC Motors

2.Leaf springs :

Leaf springs are also called semi-elliptical spring or Cart spring. It is one of the oldest types of springs. The leaves of the leaves are long and flat and shaped like an arc. These types of springs are used in car parking. The axel area is in the middle of the arc. And any end of the loop is connected to the car. It spread the load over the car chassis.

Benefits :

• It is easy to make leaf springs.

• These springs are powerful.

• There is no need for a separate connection to hold the axle in place, leaf sources serve as a link.

• The rear axle helps to reduce excess weight.

• Axle damping is controlled by leaf springs.

• Reduce costs by eliminating the need for a consistent arm and pan hard rod.

=>Applications:

• Vehicles Suspension
• Used by steelmakers (due to its high quality steel.).

3.Belleville Spring :

Belleville Fountains also known as coned-disc spring, conical spring washer, disc spring, Belleville spring or spring-loaded spring washer. Belleville watches are usually spring holes with a hole in the middle. These disk springs are loaded randomly or mathematically on its axis. This spring required a small amount of storage space but could carry a very large load. These springs have many advantages compared to other springs.

=>Applications:

• Slip Clutch
• Full Clutches
• High Pressure Valve
• Drill Bit Shock Absorber

4.Volute and conical spring :

These springs are sources of conical stress. Conical springs are also known as tapered spring. These springs were used to provide stability and to reduce solid height.

5.Some Special purpose springs:

As the name suggest this springs are made for special purpose use. Special purpose springs are made up from different types of material all together such as Air and water.

Other types of springs are:

  1. Constant Spring
  2. Variable Spring
  3. Variable Stiffness Spring
  4. Flat Spring
  5. Machined Spring
  6. Serpentine Spring
  7. Cantilever Springs
  8. Hairspring or Balance Spring
  9. V-Spring
  10. Gas Spring
  11. Ideal Spring
  12. Main Spring
  13. Negator Spring
  14. Progressive rate coil Springs…

FAQ’s

Q. The load required to produce a unit deflection in the spring is called ?

Spring stiffness

Q. In spring balances, the spring is used

To measure forces

Q. The most important property for the spring material is

Resilience

Q. The springs in brakes and clutches are used

To apply forces

Q. A spring used to absorb shocks and vibrations is

Leaf spring

Q. The spring used in mechanical toys is

Spiral spring

Q. When a close-coiled helical spring is subjected to an axial load, it is said to be under

Torsion

Q. A close –coiled helical spring is cut into two equal parts. The stiffness of the resulting springs will be

Double

Q. The spring constant of a helical compression spring does not depend on

Material strength

Q. If two springs k1 and k2 are placed in parallel, the combined stiffness of spring is

K1 + k2.

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