CALCULATORS / CAMS AND INTERMITTENT MOTION

Cam-follower spring preload calculator

Preload reserve against a supplied separating inertial force.

cams-spring-preload.napkin / editable

SCENARIO COMPARISON

Compare the numbers.

This source describes an analytical model. Its quantities and checks are the view.

Scenario	inertiaN	reserveN
	4	6
	3.2	6.8

All calculated quantities are listed with the inputs. Switch to Source to inspect the equations.

SCENARIOS / CALCULATED VALUESSAME SOURCE

Change an input to see the consequences.

contact reserve6.00 N✓ passes

BASELINE INPUTS

mass0.2 kgseparatingAcceleration20 m/s^2preload10 N

CALCULATED

inertia4 N

reserve6 N

Edits change the baseline source.

THE SOURCE

Edits below update the same model.

# Cam-follower spring preload
# Scope: Preload reserve against a supplied separating inertial force.
# Status: illustrative worked example; engineering review pending.
# Inputs are example values. Checks are editable example requirements, not standards.

mass = 0.2 kg
separatingAcceleration = 20 m/s^2
preload = 10 N

inertia := mass*separatingAcceleration [N]
reserve := preload-inertia [N]

check contact reserve: reserve > 0 N

scenario alternative: mass = 0.16 kg

Calculated from your source · not saved

Baseline · Baseline

contact reserve6.00 N ✓ passes

alternative · alternative

contact reserve6.80 N ✓ passes

Illustrative first-order example. Checks are editable requirements, not design standards. The broader topic may require additional equations, data, and validation.

Formula and units

This example uses the following equations. Input names and units match the editable source above.

inertia: inertia = mass*separatingAcceleration [N]
reserve: reserve = preload-inertia [N]

Original worked example

These are the baseline values in the downloadable source. Edits above let you test your own values.

Given

mass: 0.2 kg
separating acceleration: 20 m/s^2
preload: 10 N

Calculated

inertia: 4 N
reserve: 6 N

Assumptions and limits

Preload reserve against a supplied separating inertial force.

The requirement checks use the limits written in this example. Passing a check does not establish that the model covers every load, material behavior, or operating condition in a real design.

Download this .napkin example ↓

Take it further with your agent

Napkin keeps the inputs, equations, checks and assumptions together in one study. Your agent sets it up; you change the numbers.

Try with Claude ↗

codex 'Use Napkin (https://napkin.engineering/mcp, or the local Napkin plugin) to build a study: Cam-follower spring preload. Inputs: mass; acceleration; external load; spring rate. Outputs: required preload; peak spring force. Model scope: Specified cam law, follower type and motion constraints. Read napkin_capabilities and the current snapshot. Ask me for the values that matter, label assumptions with units, author .napkin source, validate it and apply it with napkin_source using the current revision, then open the study. Add checks for the limits I supply. Keep unsupported analyses explicit.'

Claude needs the Napkin connector; Codex needs the Napkin plugin. Set up your agent ↗

The broader study

The topic brief below describes the broader scope. The worked example above states the particular calculation it implements.

Inputs: mass, acceleration, external load, spring rate
Outputs: required preload, peak spring force
Modes: calculate, compare, sweep
Drawing: Cam and follower animation

EXECUTABLE WORKED EXAMPLE · FIRST-ORDER MODEL · CHECK THE SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS