Flexure pivot based system (1) being one of: a force sensor, a force limiting device arranged to exert a predetermined threshold force, a torque limiting device arranged to exert a predetermined threshold torque, a programmable mechanical memory, or an accelerometer, said flexure pivot based system (1) comprising a substantially rigid frame (3) supporting a lever (5) by means of a suspension mechanism (7) comprising: - a first flexure (9) extending from said frame (3) to a junction (15) with said lever (5); - a second flexure (11) extending from said frame (3) to said junction (15) and arranged at a first non-zero angle to said first flexure (9) in a neutral position of said suspension mechanism (7), - a third flexure (13) extending from said junction (15) to a preloading system (17) at a second non-zero angle to at least one of said first flexure (9) and said second flexure (11) in a neutral position of said suspension mechanism, said preloading system (17) being arranged to apply a force in a direction substantially coaxial with said third flexure (13).