Patent ID: 8528885
Filing Date: 2013-09-10
Classification: F16F,H01H

Abstract:
1. A multiple-stage spring system, comprising: a spring assembly comprising a first resilient element comprising a cantilevered beam with a free end, a second resilient element comprising a cantilevered beam with a free end, and a third resilient element extending from the first resilient element and having a contact end for contacting a contact surface, wherein: there is a first gap between the first resilient element and the second resilient element, there is a second gap between the contact end of the third resilient element and the contact surface, and the spring assembly has a first spring constant when the first resilient element is deflected up to a first distance through the first gap bringing the first resilient element into contact with the second resilient element, a greater, second spring constant when the first resilient element is further deflected beyond the first distance and up to a second distance causing the third resilient element to move through the second gap such that the contact end of the third resilient element contacts the contact surface, and a greater, third spring constant when the first resilient element is still further deflected beyond the second distance after the contact end of the third resilient element contacts the contact surface and up to a third distance, and wherein the spring assembly stores mechanical energy that biases the spring assembly away from the contact surface when released.