Extension springs and drawbar springs are critical mechanical components designed to absorb and store energy through axial deformation. Extension springs operate under tensile loads, providing resistance when stretched, while drawbar springs (typically compression springs) transmit force through rigid mechanical linkages. These springs are fundamental in maintaining structural integrity, controlling motion, and dampening vibrations across industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial machinery.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Helical Extension Spring | Coiled design with hooks/loops for tension absorption | Garage door mechanisms, trampolines |
| Drawbar Spring Assembly | Encased compression springs with mechanical actuation | Railway couplers, heavy machinery |
| Variable Rate Extension Spring | Non-linear load distribution through variable pitch | Military vehicle suspension systems |
| Torsion Extension Spring | Rotational force transmission with angular displacement | Industrial valve actuators |
Both spring types share common structural elements:
Drawbar springs incorporate additional mechanical components: outer housing cylinders and integrated locking mechanisms.
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Rate (k) | Load per unit deflection (N/mm) | Determines stiffness and energy absorption capacity |
| Max Working Load | Ultimate tensile/compressive force (N) | Defines operational safety limits |
| Wire Diameter (d) | 0.5 25 mm range | Impacts fatigue resistance and load capacity |
| Active Coils (Na) | Number of functional windings | Controls spring flexibility and elasticity |
| Endurance Limit | Cyclic load threshold (10 10 cycles) | Predicts service life under dynamic loads |
| Manufacturer | Headquarters | Representative Product |
|---|---|---|
| MISUMI Group Inc. | Japan | OSPF Series Drawbar Springs |
| Barnes Group Inc. | USA | Acxess Spring Line |
| Lesj fors Spring AB | Sweden | Variforce Extension Springs |
| Suhner Holding AG | Switzerland | PowerLoc Spring Systems |
Key considerations during selection:
Example: Selecting a drawbar spring for railway couplers requires ISO 9001:2015 certification and EN 13298 compliance for vibration damping at 1.2 million load cycles.
Current developments include: