springdriven

Springdriven is a term used to describe devices and mechanisms that obtain their actuation from elastic energy stored in a spring. In a springdriven system, energy is stored when the spring is deformed (for example, wound or stretched) and is released to perform work as the spring returns toward its rest shape. The energy density of springs and the properties of the material determine how much work is available and over what range of motion. Unlike systems powered by electric motors or compressed fluids, springdriven mechanisms rely on mechanical energy stored locally within the device.

Common examples include mainspring-powered clocks and watches, wind-up toys, spring-loaded doors, retractable tape measures, and camera shutters. In industrial or robotics contexts, spring-driven actuators or torsion springs can provide fast release or damping, sometimes used in latching mechanisms, pulse generators, or energy-storing couplings. Springs can be coil, torsion, leaf, or other geometries, selected for stiffness, fatigue life, and the required torque profile.

Design considerations include selecting appropriate spring constant and initial deformation to deliver the desired torque or displacement, accounting for nonlinear torque as the spring unwinds, and ensuring safe handling as energy is released. Re-tensioning or rewinding is needed to reuse, which can impose maintenance costs. Temperature, fatigue, and creep affect spring performance over time.

Springdriven systems remain attractive for simple, maintenance-light applications where continuous power supply is impractical.