Are rectangular block springs available in market?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the availability and characteristics of rectangular block springs, particularly those resembling mechanical keys and made of metal. Participants explore potential applications and related spring types, including flat springs and elastomers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the existence of rectangular block springs and requests information on similar applications.
  • Another participant provides calculations related to column stiffness, noting that the modulus of elastomers is significantly lower than metals and discusses the nonlinear characteristics of elastomers and solid blocks under compression.
  • A different participant suggests that the drawing resembles a 'square rubber mount' rather than a traditional flat spring, emphasizing that such mounts are not linear.
  • Another participant mentions alternative spring types, including a zigzag or "magazine spring" made from flat steel and describes configurations involving coil springs and a thin-walled spring steel tube.
  • A brief mention of leaf springs is made without further elaboration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the nature and characteristics of springs that could fit the original inquiry, with no consensus reached on the specific availability or suitability of rectangular block springs.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions involve assumptions about material properties and spring behavior that may not be universally applicable, particularly regarding the nonlinear characteristics of elastomers and the specific applications mentioned.

k.udhay
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TL;DR
Spring design - Rectangular block springs
Dear all,

I am interested to know if there is any spring available which is just a rectangular block - Looks more like a mechanical key. Preferrably made of metal. The dimensions / numbers shown in the following image are indicative:
1733928316214.png


Pl. let me know if you have come across some applications similar to this. TIA.
 
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Start with some basic calculations. The equation for column stiffness is ##k = AE/L##, where:
##k## = spring stiffness
##A## = cross sectional area
##E## = material modulus of elasticity
##L## = length (height) of the column

The only unknown is the material modulus, so solving for that results in a modulus of 20 MPa. That's four orders of magnitude less stiff than metals. Elastomers are available with modulus in that range, however there are two things to be aware of:

1) Elastomers have nonlinear stress-strain characteristics.
2) Even if the material has a linear stress-strain curve, the load deflection curve of a solid block is nonlinear. As the block is compressed, it squishes outward due to the Poisson effect, which increases the cross sectional area, which steepens the load deflection curve.
 
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Flat springs are a thing, but your drawing looks more like a 'square rubber mount'. And those are (intentionally!) not linear.
 
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k.udhay said:
Pl. let me know if you have come across some applications similar to this. TIA.
A zigzag, or "magazine spring", made from a strip of flat steel.
Google images 'gun magazine springs'

Five coil springs, each 10 mm diameter, arranged in a row.

One thin walled, spring steel tube. 50 mm long by say 8 mm diameter.
 
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leaf spring
 

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