Leaf-spring suspension device with the springs symmetrically mounted on suspension frames provides accurate parallel displacements of loads over short linear distances

Mc Creary, R. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

-7 
Axis of Moti 
5115 
Le 
Spri 
Movable 
Support
DEVICE BEFORE DISPLACEMENT OF LOAD
	 DEVICE AFTER DISPLACEMENT OF LOAD 
April 1965
	 Brief 65-10104 
NASA TECH BRIEF H 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued by the Technology Utilization Division to summarize specific 
technical innovations derived from the space program. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia, 22151. 
Leaf-Spring Suspension Provides Accurate Parallel Displacements 
The problem: Providing highly accurate parallel 
displacements of loads over short linear distances with 
leaf-spring suspension devices. Conventional parallel 
suspension devices do not constrain the motion of a 
load along an exact axis and are subject to errors in 
parallel positioning of the load because of the effects 
of overhanging moments and lack of structural 
symmetry. 
The solution: An improved leaf-spring suspension 
device in which the leaf springs are symmetrically 
mounted on suspension frames. 
How it's done: The movable load support is rigidly 
fastened to a central set of leaf springs which are 
mounted on two end frames. Two sets of leaf springs
symmetrically spaced above and below the central 
springs are also fastened to the end frames. The upper 
and lower springs are fastened to structural supports, 
which are separated from the movable load support. 
As the load is moved by any displacement means, the 
central leaf springs fastened to the load support are 
biased in one direction, and the leaf springs above 
and below the central springs are biased in the oppo-
site direction. Therefore, for any given parallel dis-
placement of the load the distance S between the 
axis of motion and the face of each end frame changes 
by the same amount. As the load is symmetrically 
mounted with respect to two orthogonal planes, errors 
can be further minimized by distributing it in the 
third direction so as to equalize the torque on the 
leaf springs.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
\	 Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern- 	 or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
\	 ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes	 rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
\	 any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the	 damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in	 or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19650000103 2020-03-11T17:21:58+00:00Z
Note: Inquiries concerning this invention may be 
directed to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California, 91103 
Reference: B65-10104
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
commercial use of this invention. Inquiries about 
obtaining rights for its commercial use may be made 
to NASA, Code AGP, Washington, D.C., 20546. 
Source: Raymond A. McCreary 
(J PL-480) 
Brief 65-10104	 Category No. 05


Leaf-spring suspension provides accurate parallel displacements

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