Clockspring

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A plastic clock spring; Tension is created when it is wound (the end is rotated about the center). Clock spring.png
A plastic clock spring; Tension is created when it is wound (the end is rotated about the center).

A clockspring (also referred to as a "spiral spring" or "spiral cable") is a type of spring often found in automobiles, that stores energy on a rotating axis. Clocksprings generally consist of a flat multicore cable wound in a spiral shape similar to a clock spring, hence the name, [1] but the name is also given to devices fulfilling the same purpose but which use spring-loaded brushes contacting concentric slip rings. [2]

A steering column; The clockspring is the small black drum with yellow wires at the front end. EPAS power steering column.jpg
A steering column; The clockspring is the small black drum with yellow wires at the front end.

In automotive systems

In vehicle steering systems, a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical conductor which allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while maintaining the connection between the airbag mounted in the wheel and/or the vehicle's horn and other devices, and the vehicle's electrical system. The clockspring is located between the steering wheel and the steering column.

References

  1. ↑ Hillier, V.A.W. (1996). Hillier's Fundamentals of Automotive Electronics. Nelson Thornes. p. 382. ISBN   0-7487-2695-0.
  2. ↑ Rosenbluth, William (2001). Investigation and Interpretation of Black Box Data in Automobiles. ASTM International. p. 131. ISBN   0-7680-0797-6.
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