Torsion springs provide support and cushion movement in various components. There are two types: torsion bars and coil springs. Torsion bars are used in automobile chassis and trailer suspension, while coil springs are used in garage doors. Torsion springs work by rotating against themselves, storing energy in the coils. Torsion bars consist of a solid steel bar that twists without breaking, providing a spring-like response. When used in a garage door, the torsion spring provides stored energy to lift the door, but it can be dangerous if wound too tightly.
A torsion spring is a device used to provide support and cushion movement in different types of components. There are two distinct types of torsion springs. The former is not a spring at all, however it has torsion or spring-like properties and is called a torsion bar. The second is actually a coil spring, like the type of spring used in a common mousetrap. The torsion bar is commonly used in automobile chassis, as well as trailer suspension. The long spring, such as those typically found tightly coiled on a garage door axle, is another type of torsion spring.
While a common coil spring is designed to work by compressing against a load or strain, the torsion spring is designed to work by rotating against itself while positioned horizontally. This twist along the axis of the torsion spring causes the coil to wind more tightly, thus providing the power for the spring. As the propeller coils more tightly, it stores energy in the many small coils that make up the spring. When released, the spring returns to its original winding position.
A bar-shaped torsion spring consists of a solid steel bar designed to twist without breaking. The bar is attached to a moving component on one side and a solid component on the other. As the moving component travels through its designed path of motion, the rod twists against itself, providing a spring-like response. On a vehicle, the torsion bar is typically attached to the front control arms, while the other end of the bar is attached to a crossmember. As the control arm moves up and down, the torsion bar twists and provides a smoother, more cushioned ride to the vehicle.
When used in a garage door application, the torsion spring provides stored energy to help lift the garage door. The spring is wound tightly around the upper axis of the door. This is a very dangerous operation with the pent-up energy of the door being enough to seriously injure and even kill a human being should it break free. The amount of pressure exerted on the torsion spring should be just enough to allow the user to lift the garage door effortlessly. If your garage door torsion spring is wound so tight that it will attempt to lift the door without assistance, it is too tight and could pose a potential danger to the door, the operator, or both if it breaks.
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