The Advantages of Torsion Springs for Pneumatic Actuators

Kinetrol uses a torsion spring
as the motive force for
their actuator spring return.

Torsion springs, or clock springs, are helical shaped springs that exert a torque or rotary force. They are one of the the oldest forms of flat springs and one of the most common type in use today because of their simplicity and reliability.

Torsion (clock) springs posses a natural tendency to expand, producing a cumulative torque that increases as the spring is wound tighter. Both ends of the torsion spring are attached to other, separate components. When one component rotates around the center point of the spring, the spring will increasingly try to return to the original state.  When a torque is applied to a spiral torsion spring, an angular displacement is created between the first and second loading points. The coil then deflects (tightens), and the spring material is placed under stress, which in turn exerts a linear rotational "output" torque.

An internal view of the
 clock spring. You'll note
similarities with the
Kinetrol spring return unit.

Practically speaking, spiral torsion springs allow for lower torque loss, lower torque stress, and much greater reliability for use in valve and damper actuation.

Advantages of the torsion spring:

• High torque delivery per unit of deflection
• Low cost
• Compact
• Reliable
• Adjustable

New Product: Kinetrol Model 15 Spring Unit in Male and Female Drive

Kinetrol has just released the new Model 15 Spring Unit which consists of a new single spring in a sealed, non-breathing housing, rather than the Model 15*-0*0-5900 which consists of two model 14 springs.

The new spring design has significant benefits including over a 30% reduction in weight, over 25% reduction in the axial dimension and an increase in the pressure range from 3.5 Bar to 5.5 Bar.

The spring unit is available in both male and female drive (F14 with a 36mm A/F female square) and will retrofit to all Model 15 Actuators.

Visit this link to download dimensional drawings.

Kinetrol Spring Return Units: Spiral Torsion Springs Are Key

Simple view of spiral
torsion spring (protruding
tab and hex center
are loading points.)

Spiral torsion springs are found in many places - clocks, watches, timers ... and Kinetrol spring return units!

Capable of storing much more energy than a typical compression spring, and working in smaller, more compact packages, spiral torsion springs for valve and damper actuation are a proven step-up over helical compression springs.

When a torque is applied to a spiral torsion spring, an angular displacement is created between the first and second loading points, the coil deflects (tightens), and the spring material is placed under stress, exerting a linear (to the degree of rotation) rotational "output" torque,  which drives the spring's rotation. Practically speaking, spiral torsion springs allow for lower torque loss, lower torque stress, and much greater reliability for use in valve and damper actuation.

Kinetrol Spring Return Unit
(note cutaway revealing
spiral torsion spring.)

Along with the inherent advantages of spiral torsion springs, additional benefits of the Kinetrol spring return unit are:

• Separate housing for modular assembly, easily retrofitted
• Sealed, non-breathing housing: Protects spring in corrosive environments
• Adjustable pretension for 'balanced' air and spring stroke torques: Various combinations available for balanced / optimized torques at various air pressures
• Keeper plates available to ensure safe handling of pretensioned springs
• Available with ISO/DIN female drive and mounting

The combination of the spiral torsion spring reliability plus the advanced engineering design allow Kinetrol to offer a guarantee against failure of the spring unit for the lifetime of the mating actuator!

For more information, contact Kinetrol USA by visiting www.kinetrolusa.com or calling 972-447-9443.

Kinetrol Series 180 - 189 Actuator Spring Removal Replacement Instructions

Kinetrol Spring
Return Actuator

Spring removal/replacement instructions for 180/189 spring return actuators.

For more information, visit www.kinetrolusa.com or call 972-447-9443.

Kinetrol Series 180 - 189 Actuator Spring Removal Replacement Instructions from Kinetrol USA