The Various Types of Springs and Their Everyday Uses

Imagine coming home after a long day and finally jumping onto your bed. That comforting feeling is something you’ve probably been thinking about throughout your day. Now, what if your bed wasn’t as comfortable? Or worse, what if you had to sit on the floor? Not quite the same level of comfort, right? 

The comfort of a bed often comes from the filler material used, and in many cases, springs play a crucial role. When you push down on a spring, it compresses, and once the pressure is released, the spring returns to its original shape. Springs are all around us in our daily lives—whether in watches, remote controls, cars, garage doors, and so many other things we use without even realizing it. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into what springs are, the different types, and their common uses. Let’s get started! 

What Are Springs? 

At their core, springs are mechanical devices that can compress, extend, or twist when a load is applied and return to their original shape when the load is removed. They serve various functions, such as pulling, pushing, supporting, winding, and sometimes lifting. Depending on the application, springs are classified into several different types. In this blog, we will cover the following: 

• Helical Springs 
• Torsion Springs 
• Conical and Volute Springs 
• Laminated or Leaf Springs 
• Disc or Belleville Springs 
• Special Purpose Springs 

Let’s break down each type in more detail! 

1. Helical Springs 

Helical springs are the most commonly used springs. As their name suggests, they are shaped like a helix or spiral. These springs store energy when compressed and release that energy when the compressive force is removed. They are also capable of withstanding tension when pulled. 

Commonly found in automobile suspensions, these springs are further divided into two categories: 

• Closed Coil Helical Springs: In this type, the coils are closely wound with an angle of less than 10 degrees between them. These springs are used in applications where stretching needs to be resisted, such as in garage door assemblies and vise grip pliers. 
• Open Coil Helical Springs: These have coils with an angle greater than 10 degrees. They are primarily used to resist compression and are commonly known as compression springs. You’ll find them in things like auto injectors and ballpoint pens. 

2. Torsion Springs 

A torsion spring is somewhat similar to a helical spring but with a twist—literally! The ends of the spring are extended away from the axis in a non-helical manner, allowing it to store twisting or torsional force. 

A great example is the clothespin. When you press the ends, the clip opens, and when you release it, the spring restores the clip to its original position. These springs are also used in applications like mouse traps and door hinges. 

3. Conical and Volute Springs 

Ever noticed the springs inside your TV remote’s battery compartment? Those are conical springs, which are like helical springs but are shaped like a cone. They compress more than standard helical springs and are used in applications like battery contacts and garden actuators. 

Volute springs, on the other hand, have smaller coils that slide into larger ones when compressed. This design is ideal for situations where large compressive forces need to be exerted over small areas. 

4. Laminated or Leaf Springs 

If you’ve ever taken a bumpy ride in a car or truck, you’ve likely experienced the work of laminated or leaf springs. These springs consist of multiple layers of metal arranged one over the other, held together by clamps or bolts. 

Leaf springs are preferred in heavy vehicles because they can withstand large forces over small areas, unlike helical springs, which are less stable in such situations. This makes them ideal for car suspensions and other larger vehicles that need to absorb the impact of uneven roads. 

5. Disc or Belleville Springs 

Ever seen a round, disc-shaped piece of metal underneath a screw? That’s a disc or Belleville spring. These springs are used to prevent screws from vibrating loose over time. Their unique disc shape allows them to compress slightly when the screw is tightened, providing additional stability. 

You’ll commonly find Belleville springs in applications where bolt loosening could be a concern, ensuring a more secure fit. 

6. Special Purpose Springs 

Finally, we have special purpose springs, which are not as widely used but serve specific functions in various industries. Some examples include: 

• Air springs used in vehicle suspension systems. 
• Gas springs used to dampen forces and store energy. 
• Garter springs used in oil seals and electric connectors. 

Conclusion 

Springs come in all shapes and sizes, each designed for a unique purpose. Whether it’s the helical springs in your car’s suspension or the conical springs in your TV remote, these mechanical devices play a vital role in our daily lives. 

What kind of springs do you think are used in mattresses? Let us know in the comments below! Until next time, keep exploring the wonders of engineering. 

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