Torsion Tubes

Torsion springs are springs that work by twisting with the amount of force or torque varying dependent on the amount it is twisted.  Torsion tubes are just one type of torsion spring and are straight bars of metal or rubber that are subjected to twisting around the axis by torque applied at the ends.  There is also the more delicate torsion fibre for sensitive applications and helical torsion springs where a rod or wire is twisted around the axis by sideways forces.

Some of the applications torsion tubes and springs are used for include:

• Vehicle suspension components
• Torsion pendulum clocks
• Balance springs in mechanical watches
• Digital micromirror devices in video projectors
• Traditional mousetraps
• Doors on consumer goods like digital cameras
• Counterbalance weight systems on garage doors and car boots
• Equipment to measure forces in science

As can be seen from the list of applications, torsion tubes and springs can be built big and strong or small and dainty.  Although the size and strength of the torsion tubes and springs vary the methodology and effectiveness of them remains the same though.