Printed-circuit-like array of springs with non-linear force vs deflection

摘要

A thin sheet of metal is patterned, folded, and joined to produce an array of compression springs, each of which exhibits constant force characteristics over a useful range of deflections to allow the array to apply nearly constant specified forces to closely spaced items which may be of varying size or height. As the springs are loaded from a relaxed state, the rate of force increase per unit of increased deflection is initially high, tapering off to nearly zero force increase with subsequent increases in deflection. This region of minimal force increase per unit of increased deflection (i.e. a "near constant force" band) extends over a useful range of deflections. The springs are self guiding and balanced, producing no lateral force on a perpendicularly applied load.