Kierrejousi

Kierrejousi, also known as a helical spring or coil spring, is a mechanical device made from a continuously wound helical elastic material. It is designed to store mechanical energy when subjected to linear compression or extension. The principle behind its operation relies on the elastic properties of the material from which it is made, typically steel alloys. When force is applied, the coils twist or deform, storing potential energy. Upon release of the force, the spring returns to its original shape, releasing the stored energy.

The design of a kierrejousi can vary significantly depending on its intended application. Key parameters include the wire diameter, the mean coil diameter, the number of active coils, and the pitch (the distance between adjacent coils). These factors determine the spring's stiffness, also known as its spring rate, which is the force required to produce a unit of deflection. Compression springs are designed to resist compression, while extension springs are designed to resist being stretched. Torsion springs are designed to resist twisting.

Kierrejousi are ubiquitous in engineering and everyday life. They are found in countless applications, from the suspension systems of vehicles and the mechanisms of ballpoint pens to industrial machinery and medical devices. Their ability to absorb shock, provide a restoring force, and maintain tension or compression makes them indispensable components in many designs. The manufacturing process typically involves winding wire around a mandrel, followed by heat treatment to set its properties and ensure its durability.