A torsion spring counterbalance system consists of one or two tightly wound-up springs on a steel shaft with cable drums at both ends. The entire apparatus mounts on the header wall above the garage door and has three supports: a center bearing plate with a steel or nylon bearing and two end bearing plates at both ends. The springs themselves consist of the steel wire with a stationary cone at one end and a winding cone at the other end. The stationary cone is attached to the center bearing plate. The winding cone consists of holes every 90 degrees for winding the springs and two set screws to secure the springs to the shaft. Steel counterbalance cables run from the roller brackets at the bottom corners of the door to a notch in the cable drums. When the door is raised, the springs unwind and the stored tension lifts the door by turning the shaft, thus turning the cable drums, wrapping the cables around the grooves on the cable drums. When the door is lowered, the cables unwrap from the drums and the springs are rewound to full tension.
As in an elevator, the electric motor does not provide most of the power to move a heavy garage door. Instead, most of door's weight is offset by the counterbalance springs attached to the door. (Even manually operated garage doors have counterbalances; otherwise, they would be too heavy for a person to open or close them.) In a typical design, torsion springs apply torque to a shaft, and that shaft applies a force to the garage door via steel counterbalance cables. The electric opener provides only a small amount of force to control how far the door opens and closes. In most cases, the garage door opener also holds the door closed in place of a lock.
Garage Door Related Terms
Garage Door Related Terms
Entity | Description | Source |
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Choosing a Garage Door Company | Key questions to ask when selecting a company for garage door installation. | Source |
Garage Door Replacement Costs | Factors impacting the cost of garage door replacement, including door type and installation fees. | Source |
Choosing a Garage Door | Guide on what to consider when choosing a garage door, including materials and insulation. | Source |
Commercial Garage Door Installation | The importance of professional installation for commercial garage doors for security and smooth operations. | Source |
Challenges in Garage Door Installation | Discussion on the complexities and potential issues in garage door installation. | Source |
Professional Installation Service | Overview of the benefits of using skilled technicians for garage door installation. | Source |
Market Analysis of Garage Door Installation | Analysis of the garage door installation market, including industry fragmentation and cost factors. | Source |
Garage Door Installation Safety | Emphasis on the importance of safety and precision in garage door installation. | Source |
Comprehensive Garage Door Consultation | Guidance on considering all aspects of garage doors, including aesthetics, insulation, and price. | Source |
Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door | Exploring the top reasons for replacing an old garage door, including improved protection and reduced maintenance. | Source |
How do you fix a garage door after backing into it?
When should I replace my garage door cable?
Can you replace a garage door opener without changing the rails?