Can a Spring Be Used for Energy Storage?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of using a spring for energy storage, specifically in the context of a mechanical device that compresses or extends a spring to release energy in a controlled manner. Participants explore the mechanics of existing devices, such as wind-up clocks, and seek insights into designing a new mechanism that operates without periodic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a device that compresses or extends a spring using mechanical force, such as turning a wheel.
  • Another participant compares the idea to a wind-up alarm clock, suggesting it may be an existing concept.
  • A participant describes the mechanics of a clock's escapement mechanism, detailing how it regulates the release of energy from a spring.
  • One participant expresses interest in mechanical timers that operate without electricity, seeking design pointers for their project.
  • A later reply suggests that a weight can be lowered slowly using mechanisms similar to those found in clocks, providing links for further information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific design or mechanism for the proposed device. Multiple viewpoints and approaches are presented, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the initial design goals, as well as the specifics of how mechanical timers function without electricity. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring mechanical design, energy storage systems, or those curious about the mechanics of traditional timekeeping devices.

suryag
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Hi,

I am thinking of a device, i don't know if a similar one exists already but this is what it is supposed to do.

1. compress(or extend) a spring by way of some mechanical force like turning a wheel(this wheel could very well be that of a bicyle)
2. Once the spring is compressed(or extended), the decompression(return back to original state) should happen in a timed(stuttered) way.

Any pointers to documents or links are welcome
 
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You mean an old fashioned , wind up, alarm clock?
 
Yes something along those lines. What is it called so that i can google it and learn more of the mechanics behind it.
 
Well the clock has a spiral spring.
You wind the clock to tighten the spring with a crank.
The tendency of the spring to unwind works against an 'escapement mechanism', to drive a toothed wheel with a rider that engages the teeth and prevents movement.
Some form of oscillating mechanism eg a pendulum, or rocker or wheel periodically lifts the rider from the toothed wheel to allow a burst of movement. When the oscillating mechanism swings back it resets the rider on the next tooth.

there's lots on the net about clock escapements.
 
Nice idea. However, i don't have the luxury of something periodic happening like a pendulum. Am curious how do timed windup switches like the ones in the basement work without any electricity? That will probably provide me a pointer for design.
 
Welcome to Physics Forums.

I googled mechanical timer, as well as mechanical timer tutorial. Perhaps that will lead to something that would help you?

It is not clear what you have in mind, do you simply want to know how mechanical timers work or are you wanting to design/build something? (And if you want to build something, providing more details would lead to better answers.)
 
What i am basically trying to do is to raise a weight and then bring it down slowly. I am not sure how to go about this. Any tips towards this design goals i appreciated
 
A weight can be lowered slowly using something like this:

.

clock-weight-train.gif

From http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/clocks-watches/clock4.htm
and for more detail scroll about halfway down http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/clocks-watches/clock3.htm"
 

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Wow that's very informative, thanks a lot.
 

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