Hi Dan!

Yes, you can change the hysteresis by changing the bushing width, the leaf spring lengths and arcs, etc.  Changing the leaf spring thickness will increase the holding power at stroke end at the expense of additional energy required to overcome the spring arc.  I designed the face gear with a slight outward bevel to hold the spur gears in place until the snap action is completed.

Also, the leaf springs print on their sides making them fairly strong and flexible!

A little more work to do to finish the automaton.

Greg

OK, now we see what that snap-action slide was for. So I guess you could control the hysteresis by changing the width of the bushing on the "shifting fork" -- make it a little wider, less hysteresis, right? Only up to a point, I suppose -- eventually you'd get too close to the snap-through point of those springs.