Potential energy(springs)

[Karbunkle]

I'm just wondering if a thread topic has been started on springs? As we all know old timing pieces have springs and torsion bars and so forth...Has anybody done steampunk work with springs as the basis of the of mecha for movement ? I read alot of different articles on some interesting developments in this area and knowing it would equate well with the general aim of all ye tinkerers....

[Dr. Madd]

If rubber bands count, I make airsoft weaponry from them.

[Karbunkle]

Actually yes! I read an article where an engineer used a large system of rubber bands to power an interesting leg musculature setup. Sort of an exo-suit. I think he had to balance it precisely but it worked. Even something so innocent as a rubber band could be made to be of use. 

[S.L. Vickers]

I don't know if it is of any use to you but I've seen old clockwork motors from Meccano sets at various fairs (models, vintage toys, ect) for just a few pounds. I'm kicking myself for not buying any! They were big and bulky (reminiscent of padlocks) so probably not as delicate as those in watches.

[Narsil]

In general springs are capable of  handling large forces and storing releasing energy very quickly, however compared to many other forms of energy storage they have quite a low power density ie the total amount of energy they can store per unit mass is quite low.

SO although its possible to make very powerful springs for things like vehicle (and even building) suspension, bows etc the idea of a 'clockwork' car powered by springs is not very practical. Having said that springs in the forms of elastic muscles and tendons are a vital part of many forms of animal locomotion

[sidecar_jon]

This might be of interest re-springs....http://www.woodthatworks.com/negator-spring/