Ortho-planar linear-motion springs

This paper presents an ortho-planar spring design that operates by raising or lowering its platform relative to the base with no rotation. The compact nature of the design, and its non-rotating motion, eliminates the problem of rotation against adjoining surfaces and is less sensitive to variation in assemblies than many current compact springs. Nomenclature is presented to identify different configurations, mathematical equations are provided that accurately model the force-deflection relationships., and a pneumatic valve positioner application is demonstrated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.