Clockspring

A clockspring (also referred to as spiral spring or spiral cable) is a type of spring often found in automobiles, that stores energy on a rotating axis. Clocksprings generally consist of a flat multicore cable wound in a spiral shape similar to a clock spring, hence the name, but the name is also given to devices fulfilling the same purpose but which use spring-loaded brushes contacting concentric slip rings.

A plastic clock spring. Note that tension is created when it is "wound", or the end is rotated about the center.

In automotive systems

Steering column. The clockspring is the small black drum with yellow wires at the front end.

In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical conductor which allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle's horn and other devices and the vehicle's electrical systems. The clockspring is located between the steering wheel and the steering column.