Weber Knapp Blog

Off-the-shelf solutions don’t always cut it – especially when your application requires safety or ergonomic motion and performance beyond a standard hinge. If you’re trying to support a heavy lid, conveyor drawbridge or enclosure cover, a custom hinge built with motion control in mind is the best fit.

A properly engineered counterbalance hinge can make an 80-pound lid feel like a light 2-pounds when lifting. It’s not magic though – it's precision mechanical engineering using counterbalance spring design principles.

In today’s modern kitchens — where minimalism meets high performance — it’s not enough for appliances to simply blend in. They must function flawlessly, especially when space is at a premium and aesthetics matter more than ever. But what makes a refrigerator truly feel built-in and effortless to use? It all comes down to one critical — yet often overlooked — component: the integrated fridge door hinge.

More than just a mechanical part, this hinge is where engineering meets design. It enables that clean, flush-panel look while supporting heavy, high-performance doors with silent precision. Whether you’re developing a compact wine chiller or a premium full-sized refrigerator, your design success starts with what’s hidden behind the door.

Motion control system design affects how people interact with products in everyday settings. If motion feels smooth and natural, users barely notice it. If it feels heavy or awkward, the design becomes a frustration.

That moment of resistance – lifting a lid, moving a panel, opening a door – can shape someone’s entire experience with the equipment. Poor usability often signals deeper design issues that limit performance.

Engineers focused on motion control system design consider more than just movement. They think about safety, repeatability, and long-term function.

When done well, this kind of design supports a safer, more efficient environment without calling attention to itself.

Designing anything with a moving part involves one constant: something must control the motion. 

Whether it’s a heavy lid, a compact panel, or a rotating arm, the hinge often carries the responsibility. But in many innovative projects, a standard hinge simply doesn’t cut it.

Off-the-shelf hardware rarely fits one-of-a-kind applications. When working with unconventional forms, materials, or functionality, you need solutions that go beyond basic pivoting.

Every designer and engineer knows the struggle: A sleek product vision looks great on screen, but when real-world motion comes into play, it can quickly turn into a clunky, frustrating user experience. The marketing team wants eye-catching visuals. Engineers focus on technical feasibility. End users expect intuitive interaction. Somewhere in the middle, safety and long-term usability demand their due.

When drop gate hardware fails, it’s rarely just one issue. The lid doesn’t close cleanly. Movement becomes unpredictable. Hardware starts to loosen under repeated use. Over time, the entire system becomes harder to rely on.

You’re pricing out a heavy-duty hinge for your product or project, and the number catches you off guard. It’s a hinge. Why does it cost that much?

Office design has always balanced space efficiency with employee well-being. As businesses evolve, so must workspaces — making collaborative workspace design more important than ever. Hot desking is one of the most innovative evolutions within this category, enabling businesses to optimize their space through flexible, shared office environments.

It's not the flashiest part of your setup. It’s not what your customers will notice first. But when a lift gate stop fails, everyone notices.

Think about a gate slamming down in the middle of a busy lunch rush, sending a shock through the counter — and through your team. It’s a dangerous disruption that’s completely preventable.

The lift gate stop may be a small component, but its impact on safety, surface protection, and smooth operation is anything but minor. In busy commercial kitchens, sleek retail counters, and sensitive lab environments, this single piece of hardware helps prevent slamming, preserves finishes, and ensures your lift gate closes exactly as it should — every time.

Gone are the days when office furniture was simply about desks and chairs. 

Today, ergonomic furniture design plays a pivotal role in the health, happiness, and productivity of your workforce. If your current setup leaves employees hunched, strained, or uncomfortable, you’re likely paying for it — in lost productivity, increased sick days, and higher turnover. But how can you be sure your office equipment actually supports ergonomic principles?