Compression spring is a type of metal wire spring widely used in various devices such as household appliances, motor equipment, engines, etc. When a load is applied to the spring or its end, the spring will be compressed. The design of the spring wire aims to restore it to its original shape, thereby pushing the load back. The design of compression springs is used to resist applied compressive forces or store energy in thrust mode. Usually, compression springs are cylindrical spiral springs made of circular wires.
The purpose of compressing springs
Due to its versatility, compression springs are applied in countless machine designs across various industries and product categories.
Here are some highlights from various industries:
Compression springs exist in many medical devices, from surgical instruments to orthopedic instruments, and even in medical implants such as implantable drug delivery systems.
They exist in dozens of critical aerospace safety systems, with the most well-known being aircraft landing gear and braking systems.
They are also used in numerous automotive components to provide precise timing for the effective operation of internal combustion engines.
Finally, compression springs are integrated into many household consumer products, such as mattresses, door locks, and air conditioners.
Types of compression springs
The most widely used form of compression spring is a straight cylindrical spring made of circular wire, although square or rectangular wire is also used. Anyway, there are many other forms, such as conical or tapered, barrel shaped or convex, hourglass shaped or concave, variable pitch. Compression springs are linear, therefore they have the same rate per inch throughout the entire spring.
This configuration is used to reduce solid height, buckling, and surging, or to generate nonlinear load deflection characteristics. Rectangular steel wire compression springs (also known as "mold springs") have greater energy storage, but if the springs are nested with each other, the circular steel wire ratio can be increased. Rectangular lines are used to reduce the height of solids or improve the spatial efficiency of designs.
Compression spring characteristics
Regarding the compression spring ends, they are usually closed and square, and these ends can also be closed and grounded, or have open ends. Therefore, the four main end configurations are closed and square, closed and grounded, and open and double closed ends. In addition, one or both ends of the compression spring can have hooks to secure it to specific components. The end can also be tightly wound with a certain number of coils to keep the spring in a vertical position. In addition, compression springs can have dual and triple diameters to achieve different assembly situations.
Compression springs can be wound in the left-hand or right-hand direction, similar to screw threads. In applications such as operating one spring within another spring, it is necessary to coil the spring so that the spiral direction is opposite, left or right. If the spring is screwed onto the thread, the direction of the spiral should match the direction of the thread.
The benefits of compressing springs are as follows:
Preventing other components from moving: Being able to prevent other components from moving is one of the biggest advantages of compression springs. Due to this characteristic, miniature compression springs have now become an important component of the internal design and operation of pressure gauges. The medium of the pressure gauge is pumped into the hollow tube under pressure, and the hollow tube will straighten when filled. This pressure causes the tube to move, pushing the connecting rod and gear connected to the miniature compression spring. The position of the pressure indicator pointer is affected by spring resistance, push back force, and resistance.
Putting the components back in the correct position: The latch on car and building doors is another advantage, demonstrating the frequency and importance of using compression springs. Imagine lifting a handle to open a door in order to fully understand the working principle of a spring. If this action is used without opening the door, the compression spring of the locking mechanism will restore it to the locked position. The spring can be compressed by pulling or rotating the device; If it maintains its position, the spring will remain compressed; Otherwise, it will lock again.
Applying sustained pressure: One of the most significant and surprising advantages of compressed springs is in battery powered products. The continuous pressure of the compression spring can achieve safe electronic contact required for the internal circuits of all types of battery powered devices. Think of a separate battery compartment in a children's toy or flashlight. The small compression spring in each battery compartment needs to be gently squeezed to accommodate the battery. In addition to securing the battery in place, the stored energy generated by this compression also establishes the conductive connection required for the device to obtain power from the battery. Users may not be surprised by some of these advantages; In fact, users may be interested in compression springs because of one of them. Compression springs are undoubtedly the best choice for applications of all sizes, industries, and millions of different uses, as they offer a unique combination of advantages.
Lightweight: Considering the force that compression springs can generate, their weight is very light. Due to the use of coiled steel, springs are stronger than metals that maintain their original straight shape. Heating and cooling also enhance the strength of metals, allowing for the use of less material to support heavier weights.
Affordable price: Most compression springs are made of steel and other affordable metals. These metals can be found everywhere in the world and are inexpensive. Compression springs are one of the most cost-effective choices for any application, as they contain the least amount of metal.
Maintenance free: Compression springs do not require maintenance. Springs can function without lubrication, cleaning, special coatings, or other maintenance. The only problem with springs is that they occasionally break. However, replacing a broken compression spring is a simple process.
Compression Springs Overview Types Characteristics & Benefits
