What device dating back 64,000 years or more represents the functional precursor to the spring concept?
Answer
The bow and arrow
The lineage of the spring, defined by its function of storing and releasing mechanical energy, is traced back to the bow and arrow. This device, utilized for hunting and defense potentially 64,000 years ago or longer, relied on the elasticity of flexible yew wood to achieve its mechanical advantage. This predates the development of metallurgy sufficient for dedicated metal coils, establishing the fundamental principle of elasticity long before metal springs existed in recognizable forms.
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