Vääntösauvajouset

Vääntösauvajouset, also known as torsion bar springs, are a type of mechanical spring used in a variety of applications, most notably in the suspension systems of vehicles. Instead of storing energy through twisting or stretching, a torsion bar spring stores energy by the torsion, or twisting, of a single bar of metal. One end of the bar is fixed to the vehicle's chassis, while the other end is attached to a suspension arm. When the suspension arm moves up or down due to road imperfections, it twists the torsion bar. This twisting action causes the bar to resist the movement and then spring back to its original position, thus providing a damping and supporting effect.

The design of a torsion bar spring is relatively simple, consisting of a long, cylindrical rod made of high-strength steel. The length and diameter of the bar, as well as the material properties, determine its stiffness and load-carrying capacity. They offer several advantages, including a compact design, which allows for more space in the engine bay or for other components. They can also be adjusted to change the ride height and stiffness of a vehicle's suspension.

Historically, torsion bars were widely used in the suspension of many cars, especially American muscle cars and European sports cars, as well as in military vehicles like tanks. While coil springs have become more prevalent in many modern passenger vehicles, torsion bars remain a viable and effective suspension component in certain applications, particularly in heavy-duty trucks and some off-road vehicles where their robustness and adjustability are highly valued.