Extension springs are stainless steel springs that have two ends to them and attach to another component. The extension spring performs the task of maintaining additional energy and adjustable tension by adding resistance to a heavier force. This resistance controls constant energy in the spring, forcing the spring to pull back after being forced apart.
Drawbar Extension Spring
A drawbar extension spring is another kind of spring that is commonly used for extra heavy use, such as swing seats, heavy vehicles and adventure parks. The drawbar spring is especially effective in these cases because they carry extra heavy loads. The drawbar extension spring has a built-in stop function that stops the spring from stretching any further, but still hold the object in use.
Types of Spring Ends
- Threaded inserts
- Rectangular ends
- Extended twist loops
- Crossover centre loops
- Hooks
- Teardrop-shaped ends
- Reduced eyes
Materials Used for Extension Springs
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
- Beryllium
- Inconel
- Phosphor Bronze
- Chrome Silicon
- Nimonic Go
- Elgiloy MP35
- Music wire
Everyday Uses for Extension Springs
There are many purposes for extension springs in our everyday world. From being in our cars that drive us around every day, to the farm machinery that produces our food. Extension springs come in all shapes and sizes with an array of loops and eyes to fasten onto both ends, requiring the need for an extension in some form.
1. Trampolines
Trampolines are an excellent example of extension springs being applied in the garden. The trampoline has hundreds of hook end extension springs securing the trampoline base to the metal frame. The number of springs used to secure the base makes it more flexible. For example, if the trampoline only had half the number of springs and the solid attachments then the rebound on the trampoline wouldn’t be as flexible. When the trampoline is at rest, the springs exist at their coiled position.
2. Farm Machinery
Farm machinery use heavy duty extension springs because of the amount of power and strength they require to pull. Farm machinery is a generic term used, but several vehicles operated on the farm will use extension springs. From, tractors to combine harvesters you will come across the extension spring being applied to its greatest potential. Ploughing fields, carrying heavy objects from one section of the farm to another, and even trailers pulling heavy loads. The heavy-duty extension springs are generally the hook or loop type, but there are other variations that can be found in machinery. It is important that farm machinery always be kept updated and safe, so noticing any issues, such as deflated tires or rusty springs, means that it is time for a change, so whether they check out Costex Tractor Parts or source their own parts, they need to do so in a good amount of time. Neglecting faulty parts can bring harm to the entire piece of machinery. Wondering how? For instance, if the deflated tires are not replaced with new tractor tires, then the entire tractor would be left in a corner neglectfully. And when the metal body of the tractor will remain unused for a long time, it will not get the required maintenance; hence, it will start corroding due to rust, which will eventually eat up all other parts.
3. Toys
There are several toys that use extension springs to function as expected. They are usually toys for older children due to the parts being small. But mechanical toys are made for smaller children with windup toys and toys that utilize mechanical energy being a favourite. A toy associated with extension spring action is a pinball machine or pinball table, as its most frequently recognized as. The pinball machine came into its very own in 1869 when the spring launcher became mainstream. The game that had originally been evolving since the late 1700’s when the spring launcher was invented, was now what we are familiar with today as the pinball machine.
4. Washing Machines
Springs are likewise used in washing machines to suspend the drum in position. When the machine spins, the drum revolves at an increased rate. This is where the springs play their role in maintaining the drum in position. Otherwise the machine would bounce around the kitchen with force of the drum banging against the sides. In the early days, this was described as “Walking”. The washing machine has advanced a long way since the invention of the washboard in 1797. Then by the mid 1850’s the US was using a steam driven machine that was then widely on sale. It wasn’t until 1937 the first automatic washing machine was widely available, but the drum still wasn’t suspended by extension springs, as it was anchored to the floor. The famous twin tub took over in the sixties until the 1970’s when mechanical advancement meant today’s washing machine (as we know it) was completely up and running.
5. Prams
A pram is a well-known form of transport for young babies and children. Since the early days of the pram – or perambulator as it was originally called – it has been manufactured by using extension springs. The original Coach Built Silver Cross prams where the luxury prams. They used the springs to make the suspension effect as the pram bounced the baby to sleep. The springs made the pram more flexible and lighter to handle. Although it was a somewhat large pram, it was popular right up until quite recently. The size of the pram and the small houses that are now being built have made it impracticable to even get in some of the front doors. The original suspension prams were the blueprint for every other pram to succeed. Most prams nowadays, even the premium ones from brands such as Nuna (https://nunababy.com/au/) and others, still have the suspension effect but on a smaller scale.
6. Gates
The traditional garden gate or front gate uses extension springs to help the gate close back over once it has been opened. This mechanism saves the gate from having to be manually closed when entering the gate. The extension spring on the gate works the same as any extension spring, by stretching the spring as you open the gate. Then the spring will automatically need to retract back to its normal position, this causes the garden gate to swing closed behind you.
7. Exercising
The most common exercise equipment you will come across with extension springs is the Chest Expander. The chest expander works by having a row of extension springs lined side by side and hooked onto a plastic or metal handle at each side. To use the chest expander, you pull both handles together and this will stretch the springs to how much you need them stretched, then as you release the tension, the springs will use all their energy to pull themselves back to their normal position. This works by applying energy to pull and resist your muscles.