Different Applications That Use Torsion Springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are the helical springs that exert a rotational force (torque). These springs are resistant to the rotationally applied force. A torsion spring works by twisting its ends along its axis.

A helical torsion spring is a wire in the shape of the helix and it is subjected to twisting about the axis of the coil when sideways forces are applied to its ends and result in twisting the coil tighter.

Torsion springs are designed to be twisted rather than extended or compressed. A load is applied to the end of the spring that makes the spring rotate at an angle. The amount of rotation occurring in the spring is dependent upon the load. Torsion springs store and release the angular energy.

When twisted this flexible elastic spring stores mechanical energy in it. After getting twisted it exerts torque in the opposite direction, the amount of torque generated is directly proportional to the amount of angle the spring is twisted.

Available options in torsion springs are –

Spring Steel 0.15 to 60 mm in wire diameter.

Square wire up to 20 mm in diameter.

Stainless Steel 0.15 to 60 mm in diameter.

Parameters

There are certain spring diameters you will need to be sure of so that it fulfills your requirements. These important parameters are –

Length of the spring, wire diameter, inner diameter, and outer diameter. The inner diameter is essential when the torsion spring is required to slip over a mandrel with sufficient clearance to operate freely.

It’s essential to know the outer diameter specifications when the torsion spring is required to fit into a circular hole with sufficient exterior clearance to operate freely. The length of the spring is known as the spring coil length.

Torsion Bending

In the case of helical torsion spring (including clock spring), the forces acting on the spring wire are the bending stresses, not torsional stresses. A helical torsion spring works when it’s bent not twisted.

Uses of Torsion Springs

Some very common and familiar uses of the torsion springs are the helical torsion springs that are used in the clothespins and traditional mousetraps that look like a spring-loaded bar.

These are also primarily used in garage doors. Small torsion springs are used in pop-up doors. The specific uses are –

In vehicles, these springs are attached to the body of the vehicle at one end and to a lever arm that attaches to the axle of the wheel for absorbing road shocks and cushioning the ride. They are used in all kinds of vehicles.

In torsion pendulum clocks.

In mechanical watches.

In video projectors.