vääntöjouset

Vääntöjouset, also known as torsion springs, are mechanical devices designed to store and release rotational energy. They work by applying a torque to a shaft, causing it to twist. The spring material resists this twisting motion and, when released, will attempt to return to its original shape, exerting a torque in the opposite direction.

The design of a torsion spring typically involves a helical coil of wire wound around a central shaft or mandrel. The ends of the spring are then shaped to provide attachment points for applying or receiving the torque. These ends can be straight, bent at an angle, or formed into loops, depending on the specific application requirements.

Torsion springs are commonly found in a wide variety of applications. Examples include clothespins, where the spring provides the clamping force, garage doors, where they counterbalance the weight of the door, and various mechanisms in automotive and industrial equipment. The material used for torsion springs is usually spring steel, chosen for its high yield strength and elastic limit, allowing it to withstand repeated twisting cycles without permanent deformation.

The performance of a torsion spring is characterized by its spring rate, which is the amount of torque it produces per degree of angular deflection. This rate is determined by the spring's material properties, wire diameter, coil diameter, and the number of active coils. Engineers select torsion springs based on the required torque, the desired range of motion, and the available space within the mechanism.