Here's an LTspice simulation of a simple inverting boost converter using one switch and a diode.
When the switch is on, the supply voltage is applied to the inductor and its current increases, adding energy to the inductor magnetic field.
When the switch is off the inductor current decreases as it charges the output capacitor through the diode, transferring the inductive energy into capacitive energy.
The inductor voltage [V(1)] goes between -5 when charging, and the plus output voltage (plus the forward diode drop) when the switch is off, showing the voltage reversal on the inductor, while the inductor current direction does not change (only the current slope changes).

 

I thought it was the other way around.
The spring is like a capacitor, the movement (integrated current) is proportional to the force (voltage).
The mass is like an inductor, the acceleration (rate of current increase) is proportional to the force (voltage).

Hi,

Yes, there are two main analogies in use. The one you quote is the force-voltage analogy, the one i quoted is the force-current analogy. The force-current analogy has both current as the through variable as well as the force. In the force-voltage analogy the force pushes along a path through the mass but the voltage is an across variable.
One other thing that is interesting is that the inductor when drawn on a schematic or when the coil is viewed from the side it looks like a spring while the capacitor looks like a rectangular mass
This extends to other mechanical areas too such as the fluid_flow-current analogy.

The main point though is to be consistent with whatever system you choose, and to understand the ramifications of whichever system you do take on in the analogy. If you cant understand a system based on what you have been using, then try using the other system and see if that helps.