We get to see springs in numerous industries and domains. Whether it’s your home, office, or vehicle, you will find springs everywhere. Now, there are different types of springs, and the helical spring is one of the main types of springs. But, there are also further subtypes of helical springs. We will cover those types in this write-up. But, before jumping straight into the subtypes, let’s start from the basics.
What is a Helical Spring?
You should get an idea about helical spring from its name. Even if you don’t, here is the definition of a helical spring. A helical spring is a helix shape spring. It’s the most common type of spring. If we go one step further, there are also circular, rectangular, and square helical springs.
Where are they Used?
There are numerous applications and domains where you see helical springs too commonly. You can easily find these springs in a range of equipment and devices. Pens, mechanical keyboards, door handles, railway coaches, automobile industry, farming equipment, and gym equipment are the most common things where these springs are available.
Types of Helical Springs
There are different subtypes of helical springs. Here are the details about the different types:
Helical compression spring
A helical compression spring is a subtype to avoid collusion between components. There is loosely wound wire in the compression spring. It shrinks down in the reaction of the applied force on it. But, it gets back to the original shape after removing the applied force. In this scenario, the nearby components get back to their original positions. This phenomenon avoids contact between two objects.
Helical springs are available in multiple industries. Shock absorbers in the automobile industry, pens, mechanical keyboards, toys, and electrical appliances use these springs.
Helical tension spring
As the name suggests, helical tension springs work on the rule of tension in physics. They are designed in a way to resist the axial tensile load.
When pulling force is applied axially, the closely wound wire of the spring resists the applied force and keeps the objects intact with each other.
Helical tension springs are used in door handles for counterbalancing, in farming machinery, in gym equipment, and on bikes.
Helical torsion spring
Helical torsion springs store and release rotational energy. When the force is applied, the torsion spring twists in both directions (clockwise and anticlockwise). While this act, the spring exerts torque. When the applied force is released, the spring rotates back to its original position.
Torsion springs are used in gym equipment (hand gripper), hair clips, stationery (stapler, hole punch), etc.
Advantages
Helical springs offer plenty of advantages. Here are the main Advantages:
- High reliability – There are plenty of industries where you require high reliability to mitigate any risk. Helical springs offer high reliability there.
- Constant spring rate – A constant spring rate is essential from a quality perspective. Helical springs offer a constant spring rate.
- Topnotch durability – Automobile and heavy industries require maximum durability to avoid any life taking risk. Helical springs offer top-notch durability in this regard.
- Variety – Helical springs are available in a wide range of shapes and designs that serves in multiple ways.
