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MYR_Industries12-Amethyst
12-Amethyst
December 18, 2023
Solved

How to model a coiled extension spring

  • December 18, 2023
  • 6 replies
  • 4101 views

I am drawing a blank on how to model a coiled extension spring.  The simplest example would be an extension spring wrapped around a cylinder.  Any suggestions?  I am currently on CREO 7.

Best answer by kdirth

Something like this:

kdirth_0-1704476108726.png

Creo 7 attached.

6 replies

tbraxton
22-Sapphire II
tbraxton22-Sapphire II
22-Sapphire II
December 18, 2023

Helical sweep will generate the coils.

 

Tips on how to do it:

Did You Know? Creating Helical Sweeps for Springs - PTC Community

    M
    MYR_Industries12-AmethystAuthor
    12-Amethyst
    January 5, 2024

    I can do a regular spring.  I want to model the spring wrapped around a cylinder.  A spring coiled up.

    C
    Chris321-Topaz I
    21-Topaz I
    December 18, 2023

    Their website is down for me right now, but I usually go to Lee Springs and download one of their models as a native Creo model. You can then edit the parameters to drive the spring to whatever you want.

    K
    KenFarley21-Topaz II
    21-Topaz II
    December 18, 2023

    I've built one of these, pretty much as @tbraxton suggests, based upon a helical sweep. I built 5 curves:

    (a) A single helical curve (defined with cylindrical equation) to represent the center of the coiled wire.

    (b) A pair of semicircular curves at both ends, modeling the "hook" at each end.

    (c) A pair of splines at both ends, connecting the end of the coil to the semicircular hook adjacent to it, which is tangent at its end to each of the pertinent curves.

    (d) Lastly, I do a sweep of a circular cross section along the curves to create the solid spring body.

     

    Regrettably, I've only got a model in Creo 9.0 so can't provide a model that you can use, but that's the method.

    M
    MYR_Industries12-AmethystAuthor
    12-Amethyst
    January 5, 2024

    I'm moving to 10 in the next couple of weeks if you want to send the model, but it sounds like your spring is just a regular straight spring.  I want the spring wrapped around a cylinder; coiled up.

    kdirth
    21-Topaz I
    kdirth21-Topaz IAnswer
    21-Topaz I
    January 5, 2024

    Something like this:

    kdirth_0-1704476108726.png

    Creo 7 attached.

    There is always more to learn.
    kdirth
    21-Topaz I
    kdirth21-Topaz I
    21-Topaz I
    December 20, 2023

    Here is one I created awhile back, that is controlled by parameters and relations.  It also has an installed length parameter tied to a predefined flexibility.

    There is always more to learn.
    M
    MYR_Industries12-AmethystAuthor
    12-Amethyst
    January 5, 2024

    Thanks, I will take a look at it when I have a chance.  With the holidays and moving offices I haven't had time to revisit.

    Patriot_1776
    Patriot_177622-Sapphire II
    22-Sapphire II
    January 5, 2024

    That's certainly not what I would have thought of as a coiled extension spring.  I think if you would have included a photograph or sketch it would have helped people help you.

      Patriot_1776
      Patriot_177622-Sapphire II
      22-Sapphire II
      January 10, 2024

      For a "coiled extension spring" I would have expeced the need to be something more like these:

      2019-02-12_spiral_spring-01.jpgspring.jpg

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