[11] [adapting] Spring Force Mechanics
2025 - 2026 Fall
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - 2.132 MICA Projects
This workstation is built to measure the force levels in spring extension. The workstation is composed of inexpensive components that are interchangeable. Main components are the stepper motor, the Tinkercad PCB, and a force sensor that measures the force levels. This workstation was understood in its capabilities.
CAD model for spring force mechanics
spring force elongation experiment
The first 4 or 5 mm or so is simply due to the initially slack connection between the bottom split ring and the M6 thumbscrew in the bottom clevis connection being taken up. Then we have a high initial slope (i.e., high spring stiffness) as the compressed spring coils become progressively separated. After this, we get an “elbow” like transition to the final lower slope (i.e., lower stiffness) spring response region. This is a common finding for such tightly wound springs.
zoomed in the initial region
[REFLECTION TIME]
This workstation made me and my classmates think about our research area in textileswhere we need accurate measurements for material and performance calculations. Below, there is an example swatch of a polyester jersey sample where the axial strain was needed for performance calculations, and we had to do them by hand, resulting in low accuracy.
This made me and my classmates (Anita & Clara) reflect on the force level measurement workstation, whether it can be used and transformed into its plug-in nature for axial forces of various fibers. We had a chance to test it with a 3 ply polyester yarn.