If you want to design a product with a heavy lid or door, it’s useful to research how engineers have solved similar problems with other products.
Weber Knapp
Recent Posts
How to Use a Counterbalance Hinge for Pivoting Loads
Topics: Motion Control, Counterbalance Hinge, Hinges, Lid, Springloaded
Heavy-Duty Lid Support: Mechanical Springs or Gas Springs?
The user experience for a product with a heavy lid or cover can range from awkward to annoying to downright dangerous.
Picture holding an industrial toolbox lid in place while reaching in one-handed, maybe twisting your back in the process. Or what if it comes down suddenly when your arm or fingers are in the way? The bruises won't be pretty, and the damage might be much worse.
This is why many designers add gas spring lid supports to their lid design. Others lean toward using counterbalance spring mechanisms or other mechanical spring solutions.
Topics: Counterbalances, Ergonomics, Motion Control, Design, Gas Springs, Safety
As a kid, you might have marveled at the flip-up bar countertop at your parents’ favorite restaurant. But a lot has changed since then, and bar lift gates have improved significantly.
Topics: Ergonomics, Design, Appliance, Counterbalance, Engineering, Hinge, Hinges, Lid Support, Manufacturing
Flip-up countertops and other counterbalanced hinge solutions offer multiple advantages for hospitality spaces and other business applications.
Topics: Applications, Counterbalance Hinge, Durability, Aesthetics, kitchen, hospitality
While not always visible to the naked eye, custom heavy-duty hinges are hard at work in various industries every day.
Topics: Motion Control, Design, Hinges, Industrial, Lid Support
Replacing Heavy-Duty Gas Spring Hinges with Mechanical Motion Control
Heavy-duty gas spring hinges may be currently installed on your product. However, now the hinge is malfunctioning because the strength of the gas spring has weakened over the lifespan of your product.
Topics: Motion Control, Design, Gas Springs, Center of Gravity, Hinges, Lid
Why bother with chemistry and electronics when you can get great performance from sturdy, reliable mechanical motion control?
Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Ergonomics, Motion Control, Design, Engineering, Hinges, Lid Support
Retail Store Ergonomics for Maximizing Efficiency & Safety
While it might not seem like ergonomics has a place in the retail setting, you’d be surprised. No matter the industry, investing in your workers’ ergonomic comfort can improve your workplace.
When your employees are operating in a safe, comfortable environment with the proper ergonomic accessories and practices in play, you can increase ROI and avoid expensive insurance claims.
Topics: Ergonomics
You wouldn’t want to work in a building that’s not fire-safe, would you? Leaving your toaster strudel in the microwave too long becomes a big hazard.
Topics: Ergonomics, Design, Durability, Aesthetics, Safety, Testing & Prototyping
How Integrating Custom Concealed Hinges Can Class Up Your Design
When designing a modern and luxurious kitchen or bathroom, the last thing a homeowner wants is an obtrusive piece of equipment disrupting the flow and appearance of the room.
Topics: Motion Control, Design, Hinges