Tensioning mechanism

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  Multi-color ballpoint pen with release buttons

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  Ballpoint pen with two-function push button

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  Snap catch for furniture doors

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  Swing top of a beer bottle; the rubber seal acts as a spring

Tensioning mechanisms are gears (mechanisms) with springs that can assume two stable positions and maintain them without the influence of external forces .

They can be divided into two groups:

• Locking clamping works are prepared by dissolving the retractor triggered the transition to the less stretched position. One example is the ballpoint pen with a release button. With the ballpoint pen with a push button at the free end, both settings (cocked, ready to write; less cocked, lead retracted) are brought about by pressing alternately. Furniture door snap catches are also operated by alternately pressing them.
• Tilting tensioning devices are moved beyond a gear end position to a stop in the tensioned position. One example is the swing top on older beer bottles .

In the examples of furniture door handles and clip locks, the chain of the gear links is opened with a lower spring tension when in use.

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Tec. Teacher friend: "How does a ballpoint pen actually work?"
2. ↑ WDR : “Laughter and factual stories: ballpoint pens”
3. ^ Siegfried Hildebrand : "Feinmechanische Bauelemente", Hanser 1968, p. 762