A Brief Talk on Constant Force Springs
Jul 25, 2025
A Brief Talk on Constant Force Springs
1.What is a constant force spring?
2.What materials are used in constant force springs?
3.What is the working principle of a constant force spring?
4.How does a constant force spring compare with other types of springs?
5.In which application fields are constant force springs used?
6.How to test the quality of constant force springs?
7.What are the technical connections between constant force springs and cordless blinds?
Today, let's take a look at them one by one, hoping to inspire your project.
I. What is a Constant Force Spring?
Definition and Analysis: Core Characteristics and Essence of Constant Force Springs A constant force spring is a type of extension spring manufactured through a special process, with its core feature being "constant force rate". It is made of flat metal wire through precision winding, and a nearly constant prefabricated stress is formed inside the coil, which enables the spring to output a stable tension or thrust during stretching or compression, with a force rate (the rate of change of force value with deformation) close to zero.
Compared with traditional springs, the "constant force" of a constant force spring comes from two key designs: first, the prestress treatment of the flat metal wire. Through rolling and winding processes, a uniform internal stress is formed inside the material, which can resist load changes when force exerted. Second, the optimization of the geometric structure. When the spring is bent to 1.25 times its own diameter, it can reach the maximum rated load, and maintain a stable force value during the subsequent expansion and contraction process. This characteristic makes it indispensable in equipment that requires uniform motion and constant tension. For example, wire take-up devices need to stably recover cables, and dog leashes need to balance the pulling force of pets.
II. What Materials are Used in Constant Force Springs?
Material Selection: Technical Considerations from Basic Materials to High-end Customization The performance of constant force springs largely depends on the selection and treatment of materials. At present, the mainstream materials in the industry are mainly metals, which take into account the requirements of strength, elasticity and weather resistance, and can be specifically divided into two categories: basic materials and high-end customized materials.
Among basic materials, stainless steel and carbon steel are the most widely used choices. Stainless steel, with excellent corrosion resistance, is suitable for complex environments such as humidity and dust, such as bathroom equipment and outdoor rolling doors; carbon steel, with high strength and cost advantages, has become the first choice for equipment such as industrial shelves and vending machines. The thickness and width of both can be adjusted according to needs: standard parts have a thickness of 0.1-0.5mm and a width of 6.35-25.4mm; customized parts can reach a thickness of 0.08-0.6mm and a width of 6-26mm, meeting the space constraints of special equipment.
Item
Material Type
Thickness (mm)
Width (mm)
Hardness(HRC)
Temperature resistance range(℃)
Corrosion resistance
Fatigue limit
Typical applications
1
304 Stainless Steel
0.1~0.5
6.35~25.4
40-45
"-40~300
Excellent
1 0⁶ times
Bathroom equipment, outdoor roller blinds
2
17-7PH Stainless Steel
0.15~0.4
5~20
45-50
"-60~350
Excellent
5×10⁵ times
Aerospace, precision instruments
3
Carbon Steel
0.1~0.6
6~26
42-48
"-20~120
Medium
3×10⁵ times
Industrial shelves, vending machines
4
High Temperature Alloy
0.08~0.4
6~20
45-50
"-60~500
Excellent
2×10⁵ times
Automobile engine compartments
5
301 Stainless Steel
0.1~0.6
5~25
43-48
"-20~300
Good
8×10⁵ times
Elastic components, decorative parts, spring components
In high-end application scenarios, textured carbon steel and special stainless steel have emerged. Textured carbon steel improves wear resistance through surface treatment and is often used in surgical instruments in medical equipment; while precision-processed stainless steel can adapt to high-temperature and high-pressure environments, such as the throttle return mechanism in automobile engine compartments, which needs to maintain stable performance under continuous vibration and temperature changes. InElastic components, decorative parts, spring components addition, customized services can also provide different surface treatments (such as galvanizing and passivation) to further enhance the adaptability of the material.
III. Working Principle: Synergistic Effect of Material Elasticity and Geometric Design
The constant force output of a constant force spring is the result of the combined action of material properties and geometric structure. Its core logic lies in the precise coordination of "prestress balance" and "elastic feedback".
From the material perspective, the flat metal wire is given uniform prefabricated stress during the winding process, and this internal stress becomes the basis for resisting external loads. When the spring is stretched or twisted, the elastic deformation of the material will trigger the "adaptive adjustment" of internal stress - the internal stress increases to offset the load when stretched, and decreases to maintain balance when compressed, ultimately achieving stable output of force value.
The design of the geometric structure provides a guarantee for this balance. The coils of the constant force spring adopt a specific helix angle and winding density to ensure that the force on each coil is evenly distributed during the expansion and contraction process. When the spring is bent to 1.25 times its diameter, the interaction force between the coils reaches the peak, and the maximum rated load is output at this time; beyond this critical point, the symmetry of the geometric structure will limit the fluctuation of the force value, keeping the force rate close to zero. This design allows the constant force spring to adapt to a large range of expansion and contraction strokes, and can accurately control the change of force value, far exceeding the performance limitations of ordinary springs.
IV. Performance Comparison: Core Differences Between Constant Force Springs and Traditional Springs
In the family of elastic components, the differences between constant force springs and ordinary coil springs, torsion springs and other products are mainly reflected in force characteristics, application scenarios and design logic, as follows:
Item
Comparison dimension
Constant force spring
Ordinary helical spring
Torsion spring
1
Force value characteristics
Force rate close to zero, constant output
Force value changes linearly with deformation
Torque changes linearly with torsion angle
2
Applicable scenarios
Linear motion, constant tension requirement
Impact buffering, unidirectional force scene
Rotation reset, torque transmission scenarios
3
Material form
Metal flat wire winding, emphasis on prestressing
Round steel wire winding, relying on elastic deformation
Round steel wire or flat wire, focusing on torsion resistance
4
Stroke adaptability
Stable force value under long stroke
Short stroke is better, long stroke force value fluctuates greatly
Limited by torsion angle, short stroke
For example, in the lifting system of rolling doors and windows, the constant force spring can provide uniform pulling force to ensure the curtain pieces move at a constant speed with low noise; if an ordinary coil spring is used, the force value will increase significantly as the stretching length increases, which may cause the curtain pieces to get stuck or the motor to overload. In the automobile safety belt retractor, the constant tension of the constant force spring can quickly tighten the webbing to protect passengers, and at the same time avoid discomfort caused by excessive tightening, which is a precise control that torsion springs cannot achieve.
V. Application Full-scenario Coverage from Daily Life to Industrial Precision Equipment
The application of constant force springs has penetrated into dozens of industries, and its "constant force value" characteristic provides core support for the performance upgrade of various equipment. The following are specific applications in several typical fields:
Constant force springs are widely used in consumer home furnishing, automobile industry, medical electronics and industrial automation. In the field of consumer home furnishing, it is used for cable retraction of vacuum cleaners, buffering of dog leashes, and pushing of vending machine lanes to achieve stable operation. In the automobile industry, safety belt retractors and throttle return mechanisms rely on them to ensure safety and performance. The application of charging gun cables and battery pack cover supports in new energy vehicles has also increased. Medical equipment such as surgical retractors and tension adjustment of rehabilitation equipment, as well as cable and sensor reset mechanisms in electronic equipment require precise control. In industrial automation, linear motion scenarios such as intelligent warehouse forks, rolling doors and windows, and photovoltaic panel cleaning robot track tensioning all rely on their constant force characteristics to improve efficiency and safety.
Constant force springs are the core technology of cordless blinds.
A constant force spring, also known as a constant tension spring, is structurally a prestressed flat spring material strip, which can usually form a coil with almost constant radius on a drum or around itself. When deflected by an external force, the spring material straightens gradually as it leaves the drum. Its inherent physical properties make the spring tend to assume its natural radius, and in this process, the straightened spring length actually stores the energy of the spring.
Taking cordless blinds as an example, when we manually pull the blades of the blinds to make them descend or ascend, the constant force spring will deform accordingly. During the descending process, the external force overcomes the elastic force of the constant force spring, causing the spring to be stretched and store energy; when the external force is removed, the constant force spring returns to its original shape by virtue of the stored energy, generating a constant upward pulling force, driving the blind blades to rise smoothly and return to the initial position. This working principle ensures that the blinds can rise and fall smoothly during operation, and can remain stable at any position without sudden sliding or rebounding.
FAQ: What can constant force springs bring to cordless blinds?
Providing constant and stable force
Compared with traditional springs, the biggest advantage of constant force springs is that they can provide almost constant elastic force within a large stroke range. In the application scenario of cordless blinds, this characteristic is particularly critical. Since the blades of the blinds need to overcome their own gravity and the friction of curtain rails and other components during the lifting process, if the elastic force provided by the spring is unstable, it will cause the feel of the blinds to be light and heavy during operation, making it difficult to accurately control the position, and may even cause jamming. The constant elastic force generated by the constant force spring can well balance the gravity of the blind blades, making users feel uniform resistance when pulling the blinds. Whether the blinds are fully opened or adjusted to a partially shaded position, it can be easily achieved with accurate positioning, which greatly improves the user experience.
Saving space and adapting to diversified designs
Efficient energy storage and prolonging service life
Constant force springs perform well in energy storage. Due to the small number of invalid rotating circles, they can store more energy in a relatively small space. This advantage is fully reflected in the frequent lifting operations of cordless blinds. Each time the blinds are lifted, the constant force spring can efficiently store and release energy. Compared with some ordinary springs that are prone to fatigue and elastic force attenuation after long-term use, the constant force spring, relying on its good energy storage characteristics, can withstand more times of stretching and retracting cycles, thus significantly prolonging the service life of cordless blinds and reducing the cost of later replacement and maintenance for users.
High safety and eliminating potential risks
Traditional corded blinds have certain safety hazards, especially for families with children or pets, as the cords may cause entanglement and other dangerous situations. Cordless blinds adopt a constant force spring design, which completely abandons the cord structure, fundamentally eliminating this safety hazard. Users do not need to worry about the accidental risks caused by the cords during use, whether in daily operation or when children and pets move freely at home, which adds a guarantee to the home environment.
FAQ: How to choose a suitable constant force spring for cordless blinds?
Choosing a suitable constant force spring for cordless blinds requires comprehensive consideration of the actual parameters, usage scenarios and performance requirements of the blinds. The following are the key selection points:
Matching the weight and size of the blinds
Load-bearing capacity: The core function of the constant force spring is to balance the gravity of the blind blades. Therefore, a spring with corresponding elastic force should be selected according to the total weight of the blades (including the frame, connectors, etc.). The rated force value of the spring should be slightly larger than the total weight of the blinds (usually 5%-10% margin is reserved) to ensure that it can still provide stable lifting power after overcoming the track friction.
Stroke length: The effective working stroke of the spring must cover the maximum lifting distance of the blinds (i.e., the height from fully open to fully closed). For example, if the lifting stroke of the blinds is 1.5 meters, the stretching length of the spring must be at least 1.5 meters, and the force value must remain stable throughout the stroke.
Paying attention to the material and weather resistance of the spring
Material selection: Cordless blinds are often in indoor environments (some may be used in semi-outdoor scenarios such as balconies), and the spring material must have rust and corrosion resistance.
Indoor dry environment: High-carbon steel (with surface galvanizing or chrome plating) can be selected, which has low cost and stable performance.
Humid or large temperature difference environments (such as bathrooms, balconies): It is recommended to use stainless steel materials (such as 304 stainless steel), which can resist water vapor erosion and avoid rust affecting elasticity.
Fatigue strength: High-quality spring materials (such as high-strength alloy spring steel) should be able to withstand tens of thousands of stretching-retracting cycles, ensuring that the force value attenuation does not exceed 10% after long-term use (generally, it needs to meet a service life of more than 5 years).
Adapting to installation space and structural design
Size and installation method: Constant force springs are usually wound on the reel, and the coil diameter and length of the spring should be selected according to the installation space (width, thickness) reserved inside the blinds. For example, small blinds (such as small bathroom windows) are suitable for compact small coil diameter springs, while large-area floor-to-ceiling window blinds may require longer spring strips to provide sufficient force value.
Structural compatibility: The end connection ways of the spring (such as hooks, card slot,welding points) must match the transmission mechanism of the blinds to ensure firm installation and avoid falling off during operation.
Verifying force stability and operating feel
Force fluctuation range: The force fluctuation of high-quality constant force springs within the full stroke should be controlled within ±5%, which can be confirmed by the force test report provided by the manufacturer. Excessive fluctuation may cause the blinds to get stuck during lifting and uneven hand feel (such as suddenly becoming heavy when rising).
Actual operation test: If conditions permit, a simulation test can be carried out: after installing the spring, repeatedly lift the blinds to observe whether they are smooth, whether there is abnormal noise, and whether they can remain stable (no sliding, no rebound) when let go at any position.
VI. Quality Inspection: Full-process Control from Design to Application
The quality of constant force springs directly affects equipment performance, and their inspection must cover core indicators such as material characteristics, force stability, and service life. Specific inspections can be carried out from the following dimensions:
Material inspection: Verify the composition and performance of raw materials. For example, the chromium-nickel content of stainless steel must meet corrosion resistance standards, and the hardness of carbon steel must reach the preset strength (usually HRC 40-45). In addition, the thickness and width tolerances of flat metal wires must be controlled within ±0.01mm to avoid force fluctuations caused by dimensional deviations.
Force stability test: Simulate different expansion and contraction strokes through a tensile testing machine and record the force change curve. Qualified products should have a force fluctuation of within ±5% after being stretched to 1.25 times their diameter, and the force rate should be close to zero throughout the process.
Life assessment: Observe the force attenuation of the spring through cyclic stretching tests (usually simulating 10,000-100,000 expansions and contractions). High-quality products should have a force attenuation of no more than 10% within the rated number of times, and no obvious deformation, fracture and other defects.
Environmental adaptability test: Test performance under extreme conditions such as high temperature (-40℃ to 120℃) and high humidity (95% RH and above) to ensure stable operation in complex environments. For example, springs used in automobile engine compartments must pass a 300℃ high temperature test.
These inspection links can not only ensure product quality but also provide data support for customized services. For example, springs used in medical equipment need to pass additional biocompatibility tests to ensure safety in contact with the human body.
Specific Application in Blinds: How Constant Force Springs Realize Cordless Upgrade
Traditional blinds rely on pull cords to adjust opening, closing, lifting and lowering, which are prone to wear, rope jamming and even safety hazards (especially for children). The application of constant force springs has promoted the technological innovation of cordless blinds, and its core principle lies in "force balance" and "linear motion control".
In cordless blinds, the constant force spring is installed in the top reel and mechanically connected to the blade assembly. When the user pushes the blades, the spring will deform with the rotation of the reel and output constant tension at the same time: when rising, the pulling force of the spring helps the blades to retract, avoiding rapid falling due to self-weight; when falling, the reverse tension of the spring offsets the gravity of the blades to ensure smooth falling. This design completely replaces the force-bearing function of the pull cord and realizes "cordless adjustment".
In addition, the long-life characteristic (usually able to withstand more than 50,000 expansions and contractions) and force stability of the constant force spring can ensure that the blinds do not have problems such as jamming and deviation during long-term use. Compared with the traditional pull cord structure, the failure rate of cordless blinds is reduced by more than 60%, and cleaning and maintenance are more convenient, which has become an important embodiment of home intelligence.
VII. Technical Connection: Constant Force Springs are the Core Power Source of Cordless Blinds
The technological breakthrough of cordless blinds is essentially the concrete application of the "constant force value" and "linear drive" characteristics of constant force springs. The technical connection between the two is reflected in three aspects:
Power output: The constant force spring provides continuous and stable driving force for the blinds, replacing the manual pulling force of the pull cord, and realizing the convenient operation of "push to move";
Safety guarantee: The force design of the spring strictly matches the weight of the blades, avoiding the loss of control of the blades due to excessive force or difficulty in adjustment due to too small force, and fundamentally eliminating the safety risk of pull cord entanglement;
Life coordination: The service life of the blinds is directly related to the number of stretches of the constant force spring. By optimizing the spring material (such as 304 stainless steel) and winding process, the overall service life of the blinds can be extended to more than 10 years, far exceeding the 3-5 years of traditional products.
At present, high-end cordless blinds have begun to adopt customized constant force springs, and exclusive parameters are designed according to the blade size (width 20-120cm) and weight (0.5-5kg) to further improve adjustment accuracy and user experience.
VIII. Industry Trends: Customization and Technological Upgrading Lead the New Direction of Development
As downstream industries have increasingly higher performance requirements for elastic components, the constant force spring industry is evolving towards "high precision, multiple materials, and scenario-based customization". On the one hand, standard parts can no longer meet the special needs of new energy vehicles, intelligent medical care and other fields, and the proportion of customized services continues to rise. Enterprises can provide full-process customization from material selection (such as high-temperature alloys, food-grade stainless steel) to size design (0.08mm ultra-thin parts, 26mm ultra-wide parts); on the other hand, the introduction of technologies such as finite element analysis and AI-assisted design is accelerating the product research and development cycle, reducing the force fluctuation control accuracy from ±8% to within ±3%.
In the future, constant force springs will not only be "component suppliers" but also "system solution providers". For example, in the field of smart home, intelligent constant force springs combined with sensors can realize automatic adjustment of blinds (adjusting the opening degree according to light intensity); in industrial automation, the integration of springs and Internet of Things technology can real-time monitor the operation status of equipment and provide data support for predictive maintenance. This technological upgrading and scenario integration will promote the constant force spring industry to enter a higher-quality development stage.
From the details of daily life to the precision links of industrial manufacturing, constant force springs support the efficient operation of countless equipment with their "constant force". With the continuous breakthrough of technology, its application boundary will continue to expand, becoming a key link connecting basic manufacturing and high-end industries. For enterprises, grasping the technical characteristics and application rules of constant force springs can not only improve product competitiveness but also seize opportunities in the intelligent transformation.
Conclusion
"An ideal constant-force spring is a spring for which the force it exerts over its range of motion is a constant, that is, it does not obey Hooke's law. In reality, "constant-force springs" do not provide a truly constant force and are constructed from materials that do obey Hooke's law. Generally, constant-force springs are constructed as a rolled ribbon of spring steel such that the spring is in a rolled-up form when relaxed."
Mechanism
"As the spring is unrolled, the material coming off the roll bends from the radius of the roll into a straight line between the reel and the load. Because the material tension-stiffness of the straight section is orders of magnitude greater than the bending stiffness of the ribbon, the straight section does not stretch significantly, the restoring force comes primarily from the deformation of the portion of the ribbon near the roll. Because the geometry of that region remains nearly constant as the spring unrolls (with material coming off the roll joining the curved section, and material in the curved section joining the straight section), the resulting force is nearly constant."
The above content is from the Internet and Wikipedia.
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