Application Examples
Pressure Relief Valve
An exact load applied to the top sealing plate was accomplished using a flat wire wave spring. Air pressure entering the top slots forces the plate away from the sealing surface providing the pressure relief mechanism.
Face Seal
Wave Spring applies pressure, to precisely load the carbon face against a mating surface, to properly seal fluids.
The spring operates over a fixed working range and provides an exact force, unlike the stamped wavy washer it replaced which could not maintain the necessary spring rate.
Clutch Drive
Pressure on the round belt is produced by compressing the Wavo Spring through the sheave halves. The top threaded cap rotates to adjust the Wavo compression. The Wavo can produce a high force in a tight radial cavity.
Bayonet Connector
Overlap Type Wave Spring installed in an electronic connector assembly. As male and female components are rotated together into final assembly, the wave spring is compressed to its working height. In this position it
exerts a constant force that locks both components together.
Multi-Tooth Cutter
A custom designed wave spring with locating tabs is contained in the housing. The spring applies a precise force to the two cutter halves, allowing them to oscillate but not rattle.
Slip Clutch
Clutch drives when the "V"- detents are in the "V" - slots.
A Smalley Wave Spring maintains pressure to hold this position. As torque is in creased, the "V" - detents will ride up and out the "V" - slots, depressing the wave spring and developing the slip mechanism. When torque is decreased, the wave spring forces the "V" - detents firmly into the "V" - slots to drive again.
Bearing Pre-Load
One of the most common wave spring applications world-wide is a bearing preload arrangement as illustrated. Having the proper load will often extend bearing life by lowering operating temperatures, reducing vibration, minimizing wear and providing for quieter and smoother performance.
Flow Valve
As fluid pressure increases the Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring precisely controls the linear displacement of the piston, which positions the orifice for proper fluid flow. Because of the space savings of the Crest-to- Crest design, the valve can be made smaller.
Low Voltage Connector
A Bayonet Connector couples as the male end rotates and follows the groove contour in the female end. A 2-Turn Nested Spirawave Wave Spring provides the pre-load between the two halves. A 2- Turn Nested Spring was necessary to develop a higher load in very tight radial and axial space.
Flow valve
With height restrictions accounted for, the Smalley Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring maintains constant pressure on the pop-up head, holding it firmly closed. In operation, water pressure releases the head by overcoming the spring's force.
Oil Valve
The force provided by the Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring in this oil valve application precisely regulates the amount of oil that is released. The Crest-to- Crest spring provides accurate resistance in a small space, allowing the overall size of the valve to be greatly reduced.
Ball Valve
A Smalley Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring is used to reduce the overall spring height in this application. The wave spring allows the seat to oscillate on the ball, keeping a tight seal in the operating position. The reduction in spring height and resulting smaller spring cavity also reduce the weight of the valve.
Quick Disconnect
The sliding member of the disconnect is held in its forward/ locked position against the retaining ring, by the Crest-to-Crest Spring. As the user slides the member in the opposite direction compressing the spring, the detent balls align with a groove and release.
Vibration Isolator
Wavo Springs provide high force and a relatively large axial displacement, in limited space. The springs are arranged in series for additional travel.
Floating Gear
Functioning in a contained bracket, a Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring loads a gear with light force allowing axial movement. The gear shown self-aligns with its mating gear during operation.