Q1. What is a torsion spring?
A. A torsion spring produces torque through angular rotation. When its legs are rotated, it generates a restoring torque in the opposite direction. In simple terms, it is designed to rotate back after being twisted.
Q2. Where are torsion springs commonly used?
A. Torsion springs are commonly used in products that require rotational return or angle control.
- Clips, clamps, and door hinges
- Flip covers, top covers, and rebound mechanisms
- Automotive components and mechanical mechanisms
- Electronic-product pivots and switch structures
- Furniture hardware, lighting fixtures, tools, and toys
- Medical devices and precision mechanisms
Q3. Why are torsion springs classified as left-hand or right-hand wound?
A. Because the winding direction determines the direction in which the spring is loaded. If the left-hand or right-hand winding direction is incorrect, the spring may not fit or the torque direction may be reversed. The winding direction, installation orientation, and actual rotation direction should therefore be confirmed when requesting a quotation.
Q4. Can the legs of a torsion spring be made in different shapes?
A. Yes. Torsion-spring legs can be straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, bent, hooked, looped, set at special angles, or formed with multiple bends. The leg design must match the product’s mounting points and load direction.
Q5. What information should a customer provide before requesting a quotation for a torsion spring?
A. Please provide a drawing with complete dimensions, including wire diameter, inside diameter, outside diameter, number of coils, leg lengths, and the angle between the two legs.
Also specify the winding direction (left-hand or right-hand), material, surface finish, operating angle, torque requirement, installation illustration, and operating environment.
The more complete the information, the more accurate the quotation will be. A 3D drawing is also helpful if available.
Q6. Does a torsion spring always require a center shaft?
A. Not necessarily. However, many torsion springs are used with a center shaft, sleeve, or guide post to make rotation more stable. If there is no center shaft, spring positioning and deformation should be considered carefully.
Q7. What problems are most common when using torsion springs?
A. Common issues include incorrect winding direction, improper leg angles, too much or too little torque, installation interference, spring deformation, leg breakage, or insufficient return force after use.
Q8. What do inside diameter, outside diameter, number of coils, leg length, leg angle, winding direction, installation orientation, rotation direction, operating angle, starting angle, working angle, maximum rotation angle, and torque requirement mean?
A. Inside diameter: the diameter measured on the inside of the spring coils. It affects whether the spring can fit over a center shaft or locating post.
- Outside diameter: the diameter measured on the outside of the spring coils. It affects whether the spring can fit within the available
product space.
- Number of coils: the number of coils in the spring body. It affects torque, elasticity, and service life.
- Leg length: the length of the legs extending from both ends of the spring. It must match the mounting position and load point.
- Leg angle: the natural angle between the two legs when the spring is unloaded, such as 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or another
specified angle.
- Left-hand / right-hand winding: the direction in which the spring coil is wound. Incorrect winding may prevent installation or reverse
the torque direction.
- Installation orientation: the position and direction of the spring in the product, including which leg is fixed and which leg is loaded.
- Actual rotation direction: the direction in which the spring is driven during use, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Operating angle: the angular range through which the spring must rotate during actual operation.
- Starting angle: the angle of the spring when it is unloaded or initially installed.
- Working angle: the angle to which the spring rotates during normal operation.
- Maximum rotation angle: the maximum angle the spring may reach during use. The design should avoid exceeding the safe range to
prevent deformation or breakage.
- Torque requirement: the amount of torque required at a specified angle, for example at 90 degrees, expressed in N·mm, kgf·mm, or
another specified unit. Providing the actual angle and required torque makes the design more accurate.