In this article you will learn about Mechanical spring, Spring material, Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages so lets start,
Mechanical spring, Spring material, Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages
So we will see detail information.
What is Mechanical spring?
A spring is mechanical device used for capable storage and free of energy. depending upon requirements, a spring take different shapes such as helical coil of wire, or a uniform, wound up strip.
 |
| Mechanical Spring |
Spring materials:-
four varieties of steel wire
1) Patented and cold drawn steel wires.
2) Oil-hardened and tempered spring steel wires(Unalloyed).
3) Oil- hardened and tempered and steel wires(alloyed).
4) Stainless steel spring wires for usual corrosion resistance.
The individual and cold drawn steel wires are mainly use in springs subjected to static forces. 4 grades of this wire.
Grade 1 is used in springs subjected to static or short load cycles.
Grade 2 is used in spring subjected to medium-load cycles.
Grade 3 used in highly stressed static springs.
Grade 4 is suitable for spring subjected critical stresses. Modules of rigidity(G) of these wire is 81370N/mm2.
There are two grades of unalloyed, tempered spring steel wire and oil hardened. SW and VW.
Grade SW is suitable for spring subjected to moderate fluctuating stresses.VW is recommended when spring is subjected to high magnitude fluctuating stresses.
The temperatures for SW and VW grades are 100°© and 80°© respectively.
Mechanical properties of patented and cold drawn steel wires.
 |
| Table 1 |
Mechanical properties of oil hardened and tempered spring steel wire (Unalloyed)
 |
| Table 2 |
The alloyed varieties of oil hardened and tempered steel wires are mostly used for elevated temperature applications.
Stainless steel springs, which show an outstanding corrosion resistance, are ideal to work in corrosive medium. Physical properties of these two categories can obtained from standards.
There are non ferrous materials such as phosphor-bronze, silicon-bronze,, beryllium copper, spring brass are used in spring wires.
What are the 4 types of springs?
Compression Springs: These are designed to resist compressive forces and store energy when subjected to a compressive load. Compression springs are typically cylindrical and are used in a wide range of applications like automotive suspension systems, mattresses, and industrial machinery.
Extension Springs: Extension springs are designed to resist stretching or tensile forces. They store energy by stretching and are commonly used in applications where they need to pull something back to its original position after it has been extended. Examples include trampolines, garage doors, and various types of tools and equipment.
Torsion Springs: Torsion springs are designed to resist twisting or torsional forces. They store energy by twisting around their axis when they are subjected to torque. Torsion springs are used in various applications such as clothespins, door hinges, and in the mechanisms of garage doors.
Tension Springs: Tension springs, also known as traction springs, are a type of extension spring where the ends are attached to components that need to be pulled apart. When these springs are stretched, they exert a force to bring the components back together. They are used in applications like trampolines and various mechanical assemblies where pulling force is required.
Each type of spring has specific characteristics and applications based on how they are designed to resist or store mechanical energy in response to different types of forces.
Applications Of Mechanical Spring
Mechanical springs find diverse applications across various industries due to their ability to store and release mechanical energy. Here are some common applications of mechanical springs:
Automotive Industry:
Suspension Systems: Coil springs or leaf springs are used in vehicle suspension systems to absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride and better handling.
Clutch Springs: Springs are employed in automotive clutches to engage and disengage the transmission smoothly.
Industrial Machinery:
Die Springs: These heavy-duty compression springs are used in stamping dies and injection molds to provide consistent force for holding and ejecting parts.
Conveyor Systems: Springs are utilized in conveyor belts to apply tension and maintain proper alignment.
Consumer Products:
Mechanical Watches: Tiny coil springs (mainsprings) power mechanical watches by storing energy from winding and releasing it gradually to move the watch hands.
Writing Instruments: Springs are used in retractable pens and mechanical pencils to extend and retract the writing tip.
Aerospace and Defense:
Landing Gear Systems: Springs play a crucial role in retracting and absorbing the impact during aircraft landing.
Ejection Systems: Springs are used in aircraft ejection seats for rapid deployment in emergencies.
Medical Devices:
Surgical Instruments: Springs are used in various medical devices like forceps and scissors to provide controlled movement and tension.
Prosthetic Limbs: Springs can be incorporated into prosthetic limbs to assist with movement and shock absorption.
Home Appliances and Furniture:
Mattresses: Pocketed coil springs are commonly used in mattresses to provide support and comfort.
Recliners and Chairs: Torsion springs or tension springs help in reclining and adjusting chairs.
Industrial and Construction Equipment:
Vibration Dampers: Springs are used in equipment like vibratory compactors and pile drivers to dampen vibrations and impacts.
Safety Systems:
Springs are incorporated into safety mechanisms such as emergency brakes and door closers.
Energy Storage and Renewable Energy:
Hydraulic Accumulators: Springs are used in hydraulic accumulators to store energy from fluid under pressure for later use.
Solar Tracking Systems:
Torsion springs can be used in solar tracking systems to orient solar panels for optimal sunlight exposure.
These are just a few examples highlighting the versatility of mechanical springs in various applications. Their ability to provide controlled force, motion, and energy storage makes them indispensable components in modern engineering and technology.
Advantages of Mechanical spring :
Energy Storage: Mechanical springs can efficiently store and release mechanical energy, making them useful in various applications such as in clocks, watches, shock absorbers, and machinery.
Simple Design: They often have a straightforward design, making them easy to manufacture and maintain. This simplicity contributes to their reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Wide Range of Materials: Mechanical springs can be made from various materials including steel, titanium, and plastics, allowing for flexibility in performance characteristics like strength, elasticity, and corrosion resistance.
Versatile Applications: They are used in a wide range of applications including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer products due to their ability to provide controlled force and motion.
Cost-Effective: Springs are relatively inexpensive components, especially given their importance and versatility in mechanical systems.
Disadvantages Mechanical spring :
Limited Lifespan: Mechanical springs can experience fatigue and wear over time, eventually leading to failure. This lifespan limitation requires periodic replacement or maintenance.
Size and Weight: Depending on the required force and deflection, springs can sometimes be bulky or heavy, which can limit their use in compact or weight-sensitive designs.
Non-linear Behavior: The force exerted by a spring is not always directly proportional to its displacement, particularly under high loads or extreme conditions. This non-linear behavior can complicate design calculations.
Susceptible to Environmental Factors: Springs can be affected by temperature variations, humidity, and exposure to corrosive substances, which can impact their performance and lifespan.
Complex Installation: In some applications, installing and integrating springs into a system can be challenging due to their specific requirements for alignment, preload, and clearance.
Understanding these advantages and disadvantages helps engineers and designers make informed decisions about when and where to use mechanical springs effectively in their designs.
In this lecture we learned the topic Mechanical spring, Spring material, Applications, Advantages, Disadvantages hope you understand well.
Any queries comments below. Thanks for reading.
.jpg)
