TYPES OF SPRINGS

                Spring is an elastic object that stores mechanical energy. In our day-to-day life, this term usually refers to coil springs, but there are many types of springs used in various mechanical industries. Springs are mainly classified based on their shapes. Some of the types are as follows:

Helical spring

The most popular type of spring is helical spring. These springs are made from a wire, usually of circular cross-section, which is bent to form a helix.

Compression spring

The types of springs that are designed to resist compression are called helical compression springs. They are often used in absorbing shock in motors and other machines, including a car's suspension and clutch mechanisms.

Extension spring

When the spring is designed in a way that externally applied force tends to elongate the helical spring, the spring is called an extension spring. Extension springs are used in automotive interiors, valves, carburetors, Washing devices, farm machinery, garage door assemblies, and many more.

Open-coiled spring

Helical spring is called an open-coiled spring when the layers of the spring are spaced at large distances and there are huge gaps between them. The angle is more than 10 degrees. These kinds of springs are mainly used for applications like spring-operated ball pens and shock absorbing assemblies.

Closed-coiled spring

Helical spring is called a close-coiled spring when the layers of the spring are so closely spaced that they appear to be perpendicular to the axis of the spring. The angle is less than 10 degrees. They are mainly used in heavy-duty applications like vice-grip pliers, bike stand springs, self-locking door hinges, and garage doors.

Helical torsional spring

Helical spring with the ends designed in such a way that the torque is applied about the axis of the spring is called Helical torsional spring. It is used in various machines to transmit the torque to a particular component. These springs are used in hinges and engine starters.

Leaf spring

Springs with a series of flat plates, usually semi-elliptical, are called multi-leaf springs or laminated springs. The flat plates are called leaves, and they have varying lengths. The leaves are held together by a center clip and a few U-bolts. These springs are used in valve spring mechanisms and heavy load carrying vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and railway carriages. 

Helical springs of rectangular cross-section

The helical springs with rectangular cross-sections are widely used for various applications. They are also known as Die springs. These springs store more energy than round springs and are costlier. Even though stress distribution is not uniform, the energy storage is more as more area can be utilized. These types of springs are used in automobiles, clutches, brakes, and watches.

Spiral torsion spring

These springs have flat turns and thus, are also called flat spiral springs. Its inner end is fixed and the outer end is attached to the component. These springs provide reduced force and also reduce friction significantly. They are used in electric metal contact brushes.

Belleville or disc spring

Belleville springs, or washers, resemble a slightly tapered disc, and for this reason, are also known as disc springs. They are used in conjunction with fasteners like bolts for pre-tensioning purposes. Typically, a bolt is inserted in a Belleville spring and then attached to a substrate. Belleville springs are available in a variety of material options, including 17-7 PH stainless steel, 301 stainless steel.

Volute spring

The shape of these springs is conical. So they are also called conical springs. When the force is applied, the turns slide over each other to compress the spring. So, it is possible to compress the spring even more than a normal spring. Key specifications include the intended application, diameter, stroke, material, and the end attachment style. Volute springs are used primarily in applications where a compression spring is required to have a long fatigue life or high spring force repeatability and where a large value of force is exerted in very small areas. These springs are used in Sherman tanks, high-quality nail clippers, and pruning shears.

Constant Force Spring

Constant force springs are tightly wound bands of steel that resemble a roll of tape. A load forces the spring to contract, and when it is removed, the spring rebounds with a constant force. Clocks feature clock spring and constant force spring. Constant force springs are also found in wind-up toys and similar devices.

Drawbar Spring

Drawbar Springs are coil compression springs incorporating U-shaped wire forms inserted for use in extension applications. The drawbar spring combines the tension application of the extension spring with the positive stop feature of the compression spring. Key specifications include the free length, maximum spring deflection, and wire diameter. Drawbar springs are used primarily in applications where a tension-producing spring is required where the self-limiting feature of compression springs is also needed. These springs are used where constant force is applied. E.g. tool head turns, gym equipment, hairdryers, electric motors, and other long-motion applications.

 

Garter spring

A garter spring is a coiled steel spring that is connected at each end to create a circular shape. Compression garter springs exert outward radial forces, while extension garter springs exert inward radial forces. These kinds of springs are used in oil seals, shaft seals, belt-driven motors, and electrical connectors. 

Types of Garter springs

1. Compression garter springs: Compression garter springs are a type of coiled spring that exerts outward radial forces away from the center and are typically made up of a thick steel wire with large coils.

2. Extension garter: Extension garter springs are on the opposite side of the spring spectrum. Although they are also a type of coiled spring, extension garter springs exert inward radial forces that move toward the center. Thinner wire and a greater number of coils allow extension springs to be able to contract quickly.

 

Flat spring

Flat springs are flat strips of material that, when deflected by an external load, store and release energy. These types of springs are small, stamped metal components that function as a spring by controlling deflection within small or restricted spaces. Any part made from thin stock and used to provide energy storage or force can be considered a flat spring. Often they are stamped or made on four-slide machines (see “For more information” sidebar) to make complex shapes for such applications as clips and electrical contacts.

    Spring washers make up a special class of flat springs. Spring washers are installed around a bolt, rod, or shaft. They can provide force to create a preload or prevent threaded fasteners from loosening.

 Air spring

Air spring is a shock absorber that uses pressurized air as a cushion instead of a metal spring. Air springs have been used in heavy-duty vehicle suspension systems. One advantage of air suspension is the extra comfort provided by being able to vary the air pressure inside the spring, which changes the spring rate.

It provides unique solutions for various applications. Air actuators have seen duty as shock absorbers, linear actuators, vibration isolators, and tensioners, etc.

Blog by:

Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune.

SY Mechanical Division D

Batch 1_Group 02

Guide: Prof. Dr. Shrinivas Chippa

1. Vivek sanap

2. Aarya Sangle

3. Sanket Lavalekar

4. Arya Sapre

5. Shrinivas Saraf