Extension Springs
Extension springs absorb and store energy as well as create a resistance to a pulling force. These springs are normally attached at both ends to other components and when these components move apart, the spring tries to bring them back together again. It is the initial tension that determines how tightly together the spring is coiled. This initial tension can be manipulated to achieve the load requirements of a particular application. Designs normally have hooks, eyes, or other interface geometry at the ends which attach to the opposing components. They are frequently used to provide a return force to components that extend in an actuated position.
Applications
Applications for extension springs include automotive interiors and exteriors, garage door assemblies, vise-grip pliers, carburetors, trampolines, washing devices, farm machinery, toys as well as thousands of other uses. This type of spring is available in a wide array of sizes and configurations, including very small spring for medical devices up to large brake springs for off-road machinery.
Configurations
Lee Spring Stock Extension Springs are supplied with full diameter loops (either machine or crossover center) at a random position with the exception of Metric Extension Springs specified to comply with DIN Standards. Loop openings are approximately one wire diameter and the direction of wind is factory optional. This stock series is available in both Inch and Metric designs. If an exact direction of helix is required for an application, custom extension springs can be made to your specifications. To fit assembly functions, a multitude of hook and loop configurations may be specified. Close winding of the body provides the initial tension in the spring to help manipulate the load and rate.
Spring ends may also include threaded inserts, extended twist loops, crossover center loops, hooks, expanded eyes, reduced eyes, rectangular ends and teardrop-shaped ends, which can all be produced to vary in distance from the spring body. At the design stage for a custom extension spring, the length of the hooks at each end of the spring can be adjusted in order to precisely obtain the required spring load at any extended position.
Lee Spring Continuous Length Extension Springs are also available in various stock length or can be custom made to specification. These springs are designed to be cut to a desired length by the user to meet a particular load requirement. Various loops or hooks can be formed with the ends using looping pliers or other appropriate tools. As the wire size increases, it may require a vise to hold the coil body and a pry bar to bend up the last coil.
Another common type of extension spring design is the drawbar spring. A drawbar spring is a unique design where the load is applied at the ends of long steel loops which pass through the spring's center and are hooked around the opposite ends, thus compressing the spring upon loading. Drawbar springs are excellent for use in potential overload situations and offer a built-in definite stop that will continue to carry a static load after reaching the maximum extended length. A common application for this type of spring is to support a porch swing or to mount a pool cover.
Key Design Parameters
Dimensions
Outside Diameter, Inside Diameter, Wire Diameter, Free Length and Extended Length
- The Free Length is the length of a spring in the unloaded position (measured from inside the end loops).
- The Extended Length is the length at full rated extension.
Spring Rate and Maximum Load
- The Spring Rate is the force per unit spring deflection, such as lbs per inch travel.
- The Maximum Load is the load at full rated extension.
- Unit of Measure
- Lee Spring's Stock Springs are specified in both Imperial (inch and pound) and Metric units. Be sure to select the preferred unit of measure when looking for a Stock Spring using Lee Spring's search engines.