| 摘要 |
Method and apparatus for pre-creeping a force applying spring blade member having characteristics for ordinarily generating a higher than required initial force in a controlled force applying process. The apparatus includes a retainer that can be packed and sealed within storable container. The retainer includes a first set of walls defining a first slot for receiving and retaining a first edge of a generally rectangular spring blade member, and a second set of walls defining a second slot for receiving and retaining a second and opposite edge of the blade member. The second slot is in communication, and forms a blade creeping angle, with the first slot. The blade creeping angle and a controlled aging period of time for a packaged blade member are selected so as to cause the blade member to precreep through a precreep phase during the controlled period of time in accordance with a bend induced therein at the blade creeping angle. The precreeped blade member can then be mounted within the controlled force applying process to generate an initial high desired force within a desired force range of the process, and to thereafter exhibit a reduced creep rate over a life of the blade member in the process, thus resulting a longer blade life.
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