Chris Petts is MD at Wokingham-based spring specialists and engineers Lee Spring. Here, he provides some interesting insights into selecting extension springs for a variety of applications that machine builders will specify them for
F&B What is the difference between an extension spring and a tension spring?
CP It’s the same thing, just different terminology.
F&B So how do they work?
CP An extension spring works by absorbing and storing energy in its coils so that when the two components attached at either end are pulled apart, thus extending the spring, it resists and exerts a similar amount of force. The reason extension springs are commonly used in cars is that many automobile parts use electrical solenoids or hydraulics to power movement one direction only, which later relies on the mechanical retraction force from an extension spring for full cycle.
F&B Are they just standard shapes and sizes?
CP The extension spring comes in many shapes and sizes, including customised models which are popular with classic car enthusiasts looking for the perfect part. Several types of connector can be specified including full loop, double twisted loop and hook. Our extension springs can be ordered in a wide range of materials, including corrosion-resistant types which are especially important for vehicles that will be used exposed to the rain.
F&B Can you explain the basics of tension vs extension?
CP Extension springs absorb and store energy as well as create a resistance to a pulling force. It is their initial tension that determines how tightly together an extension spring is coiled. This initial tension can be manipulated to achieve the load requirements of a particular application. Extension springs are wound to oppose extension - they are often tightly wound in the no-load position and have hooks, eyes, or other interface geometry at the ends to attach to the components they connect. They are frequently used to provide return force to components that extend in the actuated position.
F&B What sort of sizes are we talking about in terms of spring length?
CP Extension springs come in a wide array of sizes, from small medical devices to off-road machinery brake springs and are supplied with full diameter loops (either machine or crossover centre) at a random position. So stock lengths range from just over 6mm up to 290mm in free length. Loop openings are approximately one wire diameter and the direction of wind is optional. Lee Stock Extension Springs are available in both Imperial and Metric designs.
F&B Are there any ‘variations on the theme’ that machine designers can ask for?
CP Yes there are. Alternative Lee Spring Extension spring ends include threaded inserts, extended twist loops, crossover centre loops, hooks, expanded eyes, reduced eyes, rectangular ends and teardrop-shaped ends, which can all be produced to vary in distance from the spring body. At the design stage of a Custom Extension Spring, the length of the hooks at each end of the spring can be adjusted in order to precisely obtain the required spring load at any extended position. We design to fit a project, precisely.
F&B We have come across ‘drawbar springs’, what are they?
CP It is another common type of extension spring. In a drawbar, the load is applied at the ends of long steel loops which pass through the spring's centre and are hooked around the opposite end, thus compressing the spring upon loading. Drawbar springs are excellent for use in potential overload situations and offer a built-in defined stop that will continue to carry a static load after reaching the maximum extended length.
More details on the full Lee Spring range can be found here. Or you can call them and speak to a Lee Spring expert personally on 0118 978 1800.
