We use Springs in our daily life without even noticing. Their main functions include: measuring, resetting, driving, buffering, sounding, and other crucial roles. Now let’s show more details about these features below:
Main Functions
- Control the movement of machinery, such as the valve spring in an internal combustion engine, the control spring in a clutch, and more.
- Absorb vibration and impact energy, such as buffer springs under cars and train carriages and vibration absorption springs in couplings.
- Store and output energy as power, such as clock springs and springs in firearms.
- We use spring as a force measuring element, such as a force gauge or springs in spring scale. The ratio of load and deformation of springs is called spring stiffness. The greater the stiffness, the more complex the spring.
Springs are elastic elements widely used in the mechanical and electronic industries. When loaded, the springs can produce sizeable elastic deformation, which converts mechanical or kinetic energy into deformation energy. After unloading, the deformation of the springs disappears and returns to their original state, converting the deformation energy into mechanical or kinetic energy.
Measurement Functions
As we know, the springs’ elongation (or contraction) is proportional to the external force within the elastic limit. Use the property of springs to make a spring scale.
Resetting Functions
The springs deform under the action of external force. After removing the external power, the spring can recover. This spring’s property resets many tools and equipment. For example, many building doors have reset springs on the hinges. When people enter and exit, the doors will automatically reset. People also use this function to make automatic umbrellas, automatic pencils, and other articles, which are very convenient. In addition, all kinds of buttons and keys also need reset springs.
Driving Functions
Mechanical clocks and windup toys are driven by tightening the clockwork. The springs produce bending deformation when the clockwork is compressed and stores specific elastic potential energy. After release, the elastic potential energy of the spring transforms into kinetic energy, which drove to rotate by the transmission device. Toys, starting, and military guns also use this spring’s property to work.
Buffering Functions
When installing spring between the frames and the wheels of locomotives and cars, the vehicle uses the elasticity of the springs to reduce the bump.
Sounding Functions
When the air flows through the spring holes in the harmonica and accordion, it impacts the reed, which causes the reed vibrates and makes a sound.
Compression Functions
When observing various electrical switches, one will find that one head of the two contacts of the switch must be equipped with a spring to ensure that the two heads are in close contact and have good conduction. If the communication is terrible, the resistance at the touch will increase, the heat generated when the current passes through, and the metal at the contact will melt seriously.
For example, both metal columns of the bayonet lamp cap equip springs for good contact; the central metal sheet of the screw lamp cap and the connecting metal sheet of all sockets are reed, and their functions are to make both sides close contact to maintain good condition. The cassette tape has a phosphor bronze reed, which makes the magnetic head and the magnetic tape close contact when the reed’s bending deformation generates the elastic force. There is a long spiral spring in the stapler. Its function is to tighten the staples on the one hand.
On the other hand, when pushing out the front nails, the back claws is sent to the front for pushing out when the pins are ready. This way, the front automatically push the nail until all the nails are pushed out. Many machines feed automatically, and the automatic loading of bullets in automatic rifles depends on the function of springs. In addition, clips like clothes pins, ballpoint pens, and clip-on pen covers use the compression function of spring.
In conclusion, small springs play a significant role in the functions of the above springs. As long as we pay attention, we will find that many products in life have springs.
If you have any demand in spring, don’t hesitate to contact us. We welcome any inquiries.