Abstract: This paper describes a method for enhancing the initial design process, as well as the transfer of data, for the geometry of compound contact springs. A force-length constrained model is developed around a cantilever beam section which has short (less than 10% of the beam's length) structural elements to facilitate proper positioning. The short elements are often considered insignificant in deflection analysis, but are shown to contribute an additional 26% to the structure's deflection. Once this is done, a mount position constrained model is developed which must be solved iteratively. The resulting geometry is smooth, precise, and can be readily transferred to CAD to complete a robust design process.
Keywords: springs, compound curves, cylindrical contact
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