Suspension Springs

Suspension springs in accelerometers are specialized mechanical components designed to suspend the seismic mass within the device, allowing it to move relative to the housing in response to acceleration. These springs provide the restoring force that returns the mass to its neutral position, enabling precise measurement of linear or angular acceleration through displacement detection systems like capacitive, piezoelectric, or optical sensors. They are engineered to maintain specific natural frequencies, damping characteristics, and linearity across operational ranges.

Suspension springs operate on Hooke's Law (F = -kx), where applied acceleration forces cause displacement of the seismic mass proportional to the acceleration magnitude. The spring's stiffness (k) determines the system's natural frequency and sensitivity. In accelerometers, these springs are precisely calibrated to provide predictable, repeatable mechanical response while minimizing cross-axis sensitivity, hysteresis, and temperature-induced variations.