TENSION AND COMPRESSION SPRINGS IN MAXCONS TENT PEGS

Tension and compression are the two elements of the Maxcons spring tent peg and in this article we will explain how Maxcons tent pegs use tension and compression in their springs.

Maxcons makes a spring steel tent peg that is attached to a spring setup that creates both types of springs by a mechanism that looks like two “square loops”.

The square loops pull from different sides of the spring creating a tension/compression effect.

That is different from traditional spring tent pegs which use only the “spring” of the spring steel that the peg is made of.

Tension and compression springs are two types of springs that work in opposite ways.

Tension Spring

A tension spring is a type of spring that works by pulling or stretching apart.

It is made up of a coil of wire that is wound tightly together.

When you pull on the ends of the spring, the coils separate and the spring gets longer. The more you pull on the ends, the longer the spring becomes.

Tension springs are mechanical devices that store and release energy when subjected to a pulling or stretching force.

When compressed or extended, these springs generate an opposing force that tends to restore their original length, shape, and position.

In a push-pull tension spring, the spring is designed to operate in both directions, meaning it can be compressed or extended to store energy and generate force.

When compressed, the spring exerts a pushing force, and when extended, it exerts a pulling force. This dual-functionality makes push-pull tension springs suitable for a wide range of applications, such as automotive suspensions, door handles, and garage door assemblies.

Push-pull tension springs are typically made from round wire, and they feature a helical shape with tightly coiled coils. The wire’s diameter and the spring’s length and pitch (distance between each coil) determine the spring’s load-carrying capacity, deflection range, and other performance characteristics.

The spring’s ends are usually ground or formed into hooks, loops, or other shapes to facilitate attachment and assembly.

Overall, push-pull tension springs are versatile, durable, and reliable devices that are essential components in many mechanical systems.

Examples of tension springs include springs used in trampolines, screen doors, and retractable pens.

Compression Spring

On the other hand, a compression spring is a type of spring that works by pushing or compressing together.

It is also made up of a coil of wire, but the coils are wound tightly together in the opposite direction of a tension spring.

When you push down on the spring, the coils get closer together and the spring gets shorter. The more you push down, the shorter the spring becomes. Examples of compression springs include springs used in mattresses, car suspensions, and door knobs.

So, the main difference between tension and compression springs is the direction in which they work. Tension springs pull apart, while compression springs push together.

While tension springs work in a push-pull manner, compression springs work by compressing, or shortening, their length to store energy and generate force.

When an external force is applied to a compression spring, the spring compresses and exerts an opposing force to resist the applied force.

Compression springs are commonly used in a variety of applications, including shock absorbers, valves, and electrical switches.

They are typically made from round wire, and they have a helical shape with closely spaced coils. The wire’s diameter, spring’s length, and pitch determine the spring’s load-carrying capacity, deflection range, and other performance characteristics.

Difference between compression and tension springs

One key difference between compression and tension springs is their direction of force.

While tension springs generate force in a push-pull manner, compression springs generate force in a linear direction by compressing their coils.

Additionally, the end configurations of the two types of springs can differ.

Compression springs typically have closed and ground ends to provide stability and to prevent the spring from buckling under compression, while tension springs usually have open ends with loops, hooks, or other shapes for attachment and assembly.

Overall, while tension and compression springs have different operating mechanisms and force directions, they are both critical components in many mechanical systems, and their selection depends on the specific application’s requirements.

Maxcons Tent Pegs

Tension and compression springs used in Maxcons tent pegs use both tension and compression in one spring to make it a compact and effective camping accessory for the South African camping market.

The quality material used in Maxcons tent pegs and springs result in a higher price per peg, but compared to how many traditional tent pegs a camper need together with storm bands and storm nets, the cost of Maxcons tent pegs compare favourably with any other tent anchoring system.