Author: European Springs Web Team

Updated in June 2024

A space shuttle flying in space

Constant-force springs are a particular spring type characterised by the remarkable ability to provide a steady and stable force throughout their range of motion. Thanks to this capability, they emerge as the perfect choice for uses that need a smooth return and retrieval, such as counterbalance, tensioning, and loading applications; this makes them especially valuable in the automotive and medical industries, for instance.

However, these springs are major players in another sector that has been gaining particular traction over the past few years, especially in Ireland: the space industry. Here, constant-force springs are employed to allow for the apt management of force changes within the atmosphere and in several other important applications. In this blog, we will use our expertise as spring manufacturers to delve into how the space industry relies on these springs to boost space missions and enhance key equipment.

A close-up of a constant-force spring

The Key Features of Constant-Force Springs

Constant-force springs boast an outstanding ability to deliver a consistent and stable force throughout their range of motion thanks to their specific design: a pre-stressed flat strip of spring material, typically stainless steel, wound tightly into a coil or on a drum. Unlike traditional springs that follow Hooke’s Law, where the force is proportional to the displacement, constant-force springs maintain their force regardless of their extension length. Because of this, they offer several advantages; let’s see the main ones.

  • They deliver high force output while occupying very small space, making them ideal in compact design situations, such as in the complex spring mechanisms in aerospace engineering.
  • Their long linear reach comes with minimal force build-up.
  • They can store a great amount of energy indefinitely when fully extended, providing long-term performance.

The load capacity of constant-force springs can vary through different configurations, including cavity mounts, multiple spring mounts, and various sizes and designs. What’s more, their resilience and durability under harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and vacuums encountered in space, make them suitable for the most demanding applications, like those required aboard a space shuttle.

A satellite in space above earth

Why Are Constant-Force Springs Used In Space?

Constant-force springs are successfully employed in the space industry because they can defy Hooke’s Law (as mentioned above) by maintaining a consistent force throughout their range of motion, which makes them particularly valuable for space applications. As they provide perpetual force regardless of extension length or speed, they are excellent in both static and dynamic applications in situations where gravitational forces differ significantly from those on Earth. Let’s delve into some of the most demanding and specific space-related employments.

Elevating Satellite Deployment Mechanisms

Satellite deployment mechanisms are one of those applications in the space sector where constant-force springs excel, as they provide the exceptional precision and reliability the operation requires. When satellites are launched into space, they are compactly stored to fit within the limited confines of the launch vehicle. To begin their mission, once they reach orbit, they need to deploy their solar panels, antennas, and other key equipment accurately. Here, constant-force springs are essential to make this deployment happen smoothly, minimising the risk of mechanical failure and improving the efficiency of satellite operations.

Additionally, spacecraft engineers know how important it is to reduce the weight and volume of onboard components, and they constantly strive to optimise payload capacity and launch costs. Satellite deployment demands high force output but in extremely limited space, so constant-force springs are the best choice to provide the necessary force without occupying significant space. This space-saving characteristic allows for the incorporation of more advanced technology in the satellite design, boosting the overall mission capabilities.

Astronauts in space with solar panels

Enhancing Astronaut Equipment and Mobility

It is no secret that space is inhospitable, and astronauts require specialised equipment to perform their tasks safely, which constant-force springs enhance in terms of functionality and reliability. For instance, in spacesuits, these springs can be integrated into joints and mobility aids to facilitate smooth and controlled movements so that astronauts can move with agility, reduce fatigue, and lower the risk of injury during extended missions.

The weight of such equipment is also critical in these missions; every additional kilogram translates to higher launch costs. Whether in the tensioning systems of space tools or the retractable components of mobility aids, constant-force springs are exceptionally lightweight and efficient, making them ideal for astronaut gear.

Optimising Tensioning Systems in Spacecraft

Tensioning systems are vital for maintaining the integrity of spacecraft structures and ensuring their performance. Designed to withstand a range of harsh environmental factors, from the vacuum of space to the intense heat of re-entry, constant force springs are central to providing essential tension to hold components in place. For example, in assembling larger structures like space stations or modular spacecraft, these springs are fantastic at keeping cables and structural members securely fastened despite dynamic space conditions, guaranteeing better longevity in space missions.

Precision in Solar Panel and Antenna Positioning

Satellites and spacecraft heavily rely on solar panels and antennas, which, once positioned precisely, provide power and communication capabilities. Here, constant-force springs are employed to supply the necessary force to position these components accurately, guaranteeing that solar panels capture as much sunlight as possible to allow for energy generation and that antennas maintain optimal orientation for communication.

A space shuttle taking off

Let Your Space Project Take Off with European Springs IE

At European Springs & Pressings IE, we specialise in designing and manufacturing high-quality constant-force springs tailored to the unique demands of the aerospace industry. Our premium quality springs are precisely engineered to meet the most demanding requirements of space applications to achieve the utmost reliability, precision, and performance. With our bespoke approach, we offer exceptional solutions that help you achieve your mission objectives with confidence.

Whether you are developing satellite deployment mechanisms, astronaut equipment, or solar panel systems, our constant-force springs will not disappoint you. Browse our stock catalogue and contact us to learn how, as leading constant force spring manufacturers, we can help the space sector take off with innovative spring solutions that propel your projects to new heights.

2017 has been an incredible year for engineering and technology. Every year brings new possibilities and innovations throughout many industries and, as we are coming to the end of this year, we at European Springs Ireland have compiled a list of the greatest technology advancements 2017 has seen.

Automation

Driverless cars have been a fascinating topic for many years now, and this discussion has continued throughout 2017. It’s curious to believe technology could one day make this theory a reality, and the excitement level is increasingly rising as technology advancements continue. One of the goals for this innovation is to reduce the amount of road fatalities occurring each year.

Driverless cars reinforce the idea that automation will be more and more present in engineering, and this is set to continue.

Selfdriving car with navigation sensor and satellite vector illustration

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is the interconnection of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data in real time. Throughout the years, engineers have only scratched the surface of what is possible. Technology today allows for improved security and energy efficiency, which allows us to set or schedule temperatures, noise patterns, lighting and the use of various electronics with digital assistance.

There are many industries who are already using, and starting to use, the Internet of Things, which is improving the way businesses work.

modern factory building and wireless communication network

Robotic Interaction

Advancements within biology and engineering innovations have made it possible to do things which were only theoretical years ago. There are many examples of how far this technology has come, with brain-controlled prosthetics emerging, making it possible for amputees to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts.

Biomedical engineers are continuing to explore the possibility of reverse engineering pathogens to help create antidotes to infectious diseases, limiting the devastation of pandemics.

Greener Innovation

The human impact on the environment has been a rising concern as, with the effects of global warming, there is a lot of strain on the planet. Engineers are looking for new and innovative ways to decrease environmental damage, from finding ways to counter resource depletion to reversing environmental destruction.

This year has seen some ground-breaking projects regarding this issue, such as an Air Link System, a device which converts pollution into printing ink.

Space Exploration

Engineers are making great steps in facing the challenges space travel brings, with exciting new developments and technological advancements being made. Space travel to Mars is a common topic within this industry (and on the big screen), and it is rapidly becoming a real possibility. There are several space exploration agencies, such as SpaceX, that are even planning a mission to Mars as soon as 2018!

SPACE

Engineers work tirelessly to create new innovative technologies. Here at European Springs Ireland, we understand how greatly engineering developments help improve the industry. Our pressings form an integral part of our business, helping to establish us as a market leader in the spring and high-speed press technology.

If you would like to know more about our products and services, please do not hesitate in contacting us today by calling 0208 663 1800 or emailing ieinfo.bec@europeansprings.com, and we will be happy to help.

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Metal fatigue is the weakening of a metal caused by loads that are applied repeatedly, causing both progressive and localised damage to the structural integrity of the metal. When above a certain threshold, microscopic cracks appear at stress concentrators, such as the metal’s surface or at grain interfaces. Cracks eventually become critical, causing a structure to fracture and collapse.

In a study published in the journal Nature, metal fatigue is demonstrated to be reduced when minute linear boundaries in the atomic lattice of a metal line up, in complimentary pairs called ‘nanotwins’. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science and the Brown University showcased how the nanotwins deform into correlated necklace dislocations, or linear bands, under repetitive strain. Remaining parallel to each other, these dislocations don’t block each other’s motion, which means that their effects can be reversed and fatigue reduced.

Professor at Bron University’s School of Engineering and author of the paper, Huajian Gao, states that “in a normal material, fatigue damage accumulates because dislocations get tangled up with each other and can’t be undone.

“In the twinned metal, the correlated necklace dislocations are highly organised and stable. So when the strain is relaxed, the dislocations simply retreat and there’s no accumulated damage to the nanotwin structure.”

Experiments were conducted through electroplated bulk samples of copper composed of closely spaced twin structures. These were compressed and stretched a high number of times at different strain amplitudes, which showcased quick stabilisation responses to stress at each strain amplitude. The nanotwinned copper continued the same even as the experiment cycle was conducted for the second time.

The strain amplitude started at 0.02 percent, which increased every 1,500 cycles to 0.04 percent and to 0.06 percent before the value peaked at 0.09 percent. Similar experiments were conducted on non-nanotwinned samples, showcasing significant softening and hardening that depended on the material. The samples also displayed cumulative effects of fatigue, which are common in most metals.

According to Professor Gao, this “tells us that the reaction to cyclic strain is history-independent – the damage doesn’t accumulate the way it does in common materials.” Researchers hope that nanotwinning can be an inexpensive solution to be applied in large components. This is due to there being a slowing down effect of the fatigue process, even though damage still accumulates at the boundaries between grains.

Within each crystalline grain, there is still damage accumulating at the boundaries between grains. The within-grain resistance to fatigue, however, “slows down the degradation process, so the structure has a much longer fatigue life”, says Professor Gao.

Nanotechnology can provide the answer for engineering problems in the near future, and continual investment in this technology can open the way to fortified metals that will ensure both springs and metal pressings are improved.

Here at European Springs Ireland, we are always enthusiastic about engineering developments and how they help to improve the industry. Get in touch with our expert team to find out how we can help you and learn more about the services we provide.

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Engineering is a critical component of the UK’s economy, providing both employment and innovative solution to global challenges. As a nation, the UK needs to invest in engineering and, of course, in the professionals that work in this field. One of the issues surrounding the industry is the skills gap, which is affecting its future.

According to EngineeringUK (PDF), a non-profit that aims to promote the crucial role of engineering and inspire the next generation, there is a need for 186,000 skilled engineers to meet future demands through to 2024. Without engineers, our society – and economy – would not be the same!

So, what can you do to help inspire the future generation of engineers?

Apprenticeships

One of the ways to promote an interest in engineering in young people is by letting them experience it for themselves. The theory is necessary, of course, but, when it comes to creating an interest in the industry, the idea is that practical exercises and ‘learning while doing it’ is a lot more advantageous.

The idea of hands-on learning can already be found in apprenticeships, for example, which is being considered a solution to the current skills gap. Marrying academic knowledge with working life can benefit businesses as much as apprentices, and allow new talent to be placed in key areas of the industry.

With the government committing to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, the future seems brighter.

The Maker Movement

But inspiring the next generations to become STEM and engineering professionals starts when they’re young. Addressing misconceptions about engineering and finding a way to inspire children to pursue engineering and STEM professions is crucial to creating more positive feelings toward the industry.

Children enjoy getting hands-on and often learn better that way, which can help to promote an early interest in engineering. The aim behind projects such as the Maker Movement, which can be found in many Canadian and American schools, is to interest children in the industry – they start small and carry on building increasingly complicated things, for example, and always ‘learn it by doing it’.

The Maker Movement gained momentum in the 2000s, with the aim being emphasising learning-through-doing, or active learning. Creating feelings of self-fulfilment, the movement sought to engage more students in STEM subjects and instil an active interest.

Letting kids tinker and be as creative as they want can benefit them in many ways, from helping them to develop their skills to instil in them an interest in the industry. After all, not only will they be able to be innovative and get hands-on, but they will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they have built something by themselves.

Seeing the results of their commitment and hard work is a great way to motivate them into following a career in the industry – especially because it also breaks down barriers. After all, there is still the idea that engineering is too difficult and/or boring so, by allowing students to actually give it a go, they might change their preconceptions about engineering.

By helping students to develop their skills at such an early age and to learn from their mistakes, children learn to be problem-solvers as well. And, once the notion that engineering is ‘too hard’ to understand is broken down, children will feel a lot more connected and receptive to the idea of embarking on an engineering journey.

How to Start

Creating something doesn’t have to mean jumping straight into a complicated app or a piece of hardware. In fact, starting small can help to expand skills and open students’ minds to the principles of engineering. For example, be it playing with shapes by creating wire forms, making a battery out of a potato, or creating a 3D-printed design, there are so many simple things that can start children on their engineering path.

Focusing on practical applications and dedicating part of the class to building something is a great starting point, as children are learning-through-doing.

Instilling passion for the industry also requires passionate teachers and instructors, as students learn better when they’re taught by someone who loves what they do. In order to inspire others, you need to feel inspired yourself!

Participating in programmes, such as the ones provided by the Royal Academy of Engineering, for instance, can also contribute to building more positive perceptions of engineering. The ‘YES’ programme, by leading consultancy Atkins, also strives to interest students in STEM careers by helping students to learn hands-on. And, of course, investing in practical lessons in classes can impact the way students view engineering.

At European Springs, we believe that helping students become more interested in engineering from a young age can have a positive impact the future of the industry, and there is no denying that learning-through-doing offers great advantages.

Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about our products, which includes springs, pressings and wireforms. Also, find out more about our services and how we can assist your project – be it for your business or to help children learn with a hands-on experience!

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The Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, will introduce significant changes throughout industries worldwide. A swift response to these changes will have to be clearly seen in companies’ visions, with the identification of how to invest in advanced equipment and facilities throughout the business. This planned approach does not intend to change companies overnight but to adapt to the occurring changes within the sectors.

Digitalisation is the main focus in the Industry 4.0 with the customers being the driving force behind the streamlining of every process and product. Customised mass production for each individual product will include simulation and virtualisation technology with the safe testing of product mechanics.

Speeding up manufacturing processes will be possible through advanced robotics, which will ensure the well-functioning of companies.

 

Nine Pillars of Technological Advancement

Technological development will be based upon the ‘Nine Pillars of Technological Advancement’, accounting for the growing interconnectivity in the increasingly digital world. These Pillars will ensure the optimisation, integration, and automation of the production flow for improved efficiency and supply chain users along with the relationship between humans and machines.

  • Big Data and Analytics.  Real-time decision making will rely on both the collection and the comprehensive analysis of production equipment and customer-management systems.
  • Autonomous Robots. Increased autonomy will be given to robots for more cooperation and flexibility, leading towards interaction and work alongside humans. Less expensive and smarter, these robots will have more capabilities than present-day robots.
  • Simulation.  Real-time data will be used for simulation success in a virtual world in engineering, with humans, machines, and products aiding in the testing and optimisation of products. This will allow for higher product quality.
  • Horizontal and Vertical System Integration. IT systems from plants to products and to automation will have complete integration, with all elements becoming more cohesive as automated value chains allow for universal data-integration networks.
  • The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Computing and connectivity will be extended to even more devices, with field devices interacting and communicating with each other. In addition, there will be a decentralised production process, with workstations knowing the needed manufacturing steps for each product and being able to adapt to any operation.
  • Cybersecurity. The increased connectivity in the Industry 4.0 and the increased need for cybersecurity will see the latter becoming more and more developed and advanced.
  • The Cloud. Cloud-based software is already in use, however, the performance of this software will be increased and distributed across more channels. Both functionality and machine data will be deployed in higher amounts to the cloud, with a resulting growth in data-driven services.
  • Additive Manufacturing. Additive manufacturing processes will be increasingly utilised for prototyping of customised products in small quantities in lightweight and complex designs. Decentralised and high-performing systems will ensure that all manufacturing processes are streamlined.
  • Augmented Reality. Augmented reality glasses, for example, can be developed in order to provide accurate and real-time data to workers. Work procedures and decision-making will be improved, with workers having a cyber-representation of machines for optimised use.

 

Engineering 4.0 for the Future

A decentralised production network will require the integration of both simulation and product management in addition to further data communication. Device interconnectivity is expected to reach approximately 20.4 billion in number by 2020, allowing for the complete integration and sharing of vital data in the engineering industry.

Innovation processes will be successful through a further partnership between suppliers and customers, with valuable and real-time customer feedback. This will aid engineers in improving their decision-making and in streamlining products as they communicate with customers in real-time.

Predictive maintenance will, for example, be an essential component in the design and manufacturing processes. Machines will be able to find errors that humans won’t, allowing for the elimination of machine downtime and increased user safety. This will be based on data, which will decentralise decision-making and ensure minimal human intervention in smaller processes.

Developing digital skills in young generations will be important for a future in which the Industry 4.0 is beginning to fully develop. The need for specialised knowledge in all sectors of robotics, artificial intelligence, and other digital skills will increase, as will the need for leadership skills in the integration of the initial processes.

Cloud technology will ensure that engineers across the world can easily scale their operations through an increased focus on IT operations and core competencies. This technology functions as an ‘equaliser’, allowing for both small and medium companies to have access to the same software processes and improved computing power.

Here at European Springs Ireland, we invest in the future of engineering and manufacturing processes to ensure that our springs, wireforms, and pressings are of the highest quality. Simply get in touch with our expert team to find out more about how we can help your projects with bespoke solutions.

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There are many routes into the world of engineering; GCSEs to Apprenticeships, A-Levels to an Undergraduate Degree, or even from A-Levels straight into employment for you to climb your way up the ladder.

The number of winding paths and routes may seem infinite, but there could be one that’s right for you. And don’t think that just because you didn’t study certain subjects at school, it’s too late to get into the field – there may be a possible detour on your journey when you realise your passion.

So, if you are thinking of forging a career in engineering, we take a look at two examples of young aspiring engineers in our infographic below who knew that they wanted to venture into the world of engineering.

These two different examples show how you can take a very different path from another individual and still meet your engineering career goals.

Meet Jack and Jill.

European-Springs-Infographic

When many young people think of engineering their mind may automatically relate to areas such as the automobile industry or maybe even civil engineering.

However, one of the (numerous) great things about engineering is that it branches out into many different areas.

With more than 40 different types of engineering specialisms, there are various approaches to reaching your engineering goals.

Engineering is expected to be a huge sector of growth, and with increasing popularity, many young people are aspiring to be the next generation of engineers.

The engineering industry is certainly thriving and, while there are over 1.7 million people employed in engineering in the UK, there are still many more opportunities simply waiting for young people to get involved.

Some of the more common engineering sectors involve:

  • Radio
  • Aerospace
  • Automobiles
  • Computing
  • Construction
  • Trains
  • Project Management
  • TV or Broadcasting

 

So there we have it! Now it’s over to you to mould your own future. It’s sure to be an exciting one if you choose to delve into engineering.

European Springs Ireland are great believers in motivating the new generation of engineers. After all, you could be part of a team making our next version of cars, computers, space shuttles and even springs!

Interested in how you can inspire future engineers? You can read our previous blog here.

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