What are Torsion Springs?

Torsion springs are used to store rotational energy and release that energy as torque to return to its natural position. This twists the object around the springs axis, allowing for a variety of applications. One common application is the opening and closing of objects; from doors to trash can lids and chip clips. Another use of its rotational forces are for clocks with a pendulum, allowing it to swing back and forth. Other applications can be seen in a vast array of automotive uses and medical equipment, among others.

Torsion Spring Ends

Below are a few of the most common torsion spring end types. Consult a Newcomb Spring design expert on the end type that will optimize your spring's performance.

Spring Load

It is important to consider the direction of loading when designing bends or forms of a torsion spring's body or legs. Favorable residual stresses can be created when bends are loaded in a direction that reduces the radius or curvature.

Spring Load

A torsion spring can be closed or open-wound and usually is designed to wind up. As a spring winds up, the coil diameter will decrease and the body length will increase. Read more on the direction of spring winding in our technical articles. It is always best to design torsion springs to wind up in use and to apply force in the direction of the wind – otherwise unfavorable bending stresses will occur. As a spring deflects in the direction of the wind, its diameter will decrease and its body length will increase. In these situations it is recommended that the torsion spring be supported on its inner diameter (I.D.) with a shaft or tube, sized so that there will be no binding due to deflection.