What Is a Flat Spring?
A flat spring is crafted from a thin metal plate, typically fabricated through press working. With a thickness usually less than 1 mm, they are a staple in household products due to their cost-efficiency and suitability for mass production.
Although their thin form factors contribute to lightweight and simple design advantages, this also limits their strength. As such, careful selection of materials and design is crucial to prevent deformation or damage under excessive loads or varying operational conditions.
Uses of Flat Springs
Flat springs are integral to diverse applications across different industries:
1. Daily Necessities and Stationery
Utilized in items like tweezers and ballpoint pen clips, flat springs leverage their restorative force to clamp objects, enhancing operability and functionality in precision tools.
2. Sports-Related
Employed in equipment such as diving boards and snowboards, flat springs adjust flexibility and stiffness, absorbing impacts to improve the athlete’s experience.
3. Electronic Equipment
In electronic devices, they actuate button switches and establish reliable electrical connections in circuit contacts, crucial for user feedback and signal control.
Principle of Flat Springs
Designed primarily in flat, wavy, or curved shapes to facilitate easy deformation, flat springs are made from high-strength metals like stainless steel or aluminum, tailored to their specific applications. The principle of operation aligns with beam calculation models, where stress and deflection are key considerations.
How to Select a Flat Spring
Selecting the right flat spring involves considering load capacity, deformation, material, size, and mounting method to ensure compatibility with application requirements and operational environments.
1. Load Capacity and Deformation
Assess the spring’s ability to absorb the intended load and achieve the required deformation, selecting a thickness that meets these design specifications.
2. Material
Choose a material based on the need for corrosion resistance or strength, with options like stainless steel or alloy steel. Protective coatings may also be applied to enhance durability.
3. Size
The spring’s dimensions should accommodate the load, deformation, and available mounting space, ensuring a proper fit and function.
4. Mounting Method
Stable securing of the spring through methods like welding or clamping is essential for optimal performance, taking into account the spring’s integration within the device or structure.