Weber Knapp Blog

Motion Control Products for Small Work Spaces

Written by Weber Knapp | Feb 25, 2022 8:20:47 PM


From doctor's offices to hotels, small workspaces have challenged businesses across many industries. 

To maximize the usable space in small working areas, product designers have integrated motion control technology into their equipment to improve the useability of even the most compact spaces.

Motion control products such as spring-assisted or counterbalance hinges open up new levels of control of traditionally stationery items including:

  • Amenities
  • Appliances 
  • Equipment 
  • Furniture

If you’re designing for a small space or working in one, read on to find more about the benefits motion control brings to small working spaces. 

Motion Control Products for Small Work Spaces

Functionality is key for any small workspaces, and motion control technology is utilized throughout several industries. 

Product designers working in the healthcare or veterinary industries have integrated products and solutions like Computer on Wheels (COWs) to allow a doctor or practitioner greater freedom when taking notes or providing physical care in a smaller exam room. Computers on wheels save valuable space in small working areas because they can be rolled away when not in use. 

Some businesses are integrating motion control technology directly onto their examination equipment, allowing operating and examination tables to be folded away when not in use.  

In the hospitality industry, many product and interior designers have turned to motion control and ergonomic products to improve the functionality of smaller business centers and guest rooms. 

Products such as monitor mounts, keyboard trays, and fold-away tables allow guests to customize their viewing experience and have expanded workspace if needed without having to sacrifice the valuable space in their living quarters long term.  

For some hotels and motels, Murphy beds have been used in rooms where space is a luxury. Folding up the bed frees up much-needed living space where a table, desk, or other accessories may live. 

Many motion control and ergonomic products can also be utilized for small workspaces at home. Flip-up countertops can free up workspaces in smaller wood or pottery shops while ergonomic equipment such as monitor mounts and keyboard trays can be used to fine-tune an employee's work from setup. 

For many businesses, product and interior designers have relied on motion control systems and ergonomic products to promote functional, healthy, and usable workspaces with the added space-saving benefits. 

Benefits of Motion Control Engineering in Small Workspaces

It’s no secret that motion control engineering helps free up valuable space in small work areas. But they also serve to improve the useability, safety, and comfort of those same work areas:

  • Usability: Motion control products inherently increase the useability of any small space. By integrating motion control technology, businesses can expand and utilize smaller workspaces that can serve multiple purposes without needing to remove a plethora of equipment each time.
  • Safety: The technology behind ergonomic and motion control products increases the safety and durability of small workspaces. For businesses, this means less risk of employee injury or equipment damage. 

Products like heavy-duty spring-assisted hinges can be integrated into countertops, tables, or even Murphy beds to allow a user greater freedom and security when moving a heavy lid or table.

  • Comfort: It should come as no surprise that ergonomics and comfort go hand in hand, and that holds true through smaller workspaces. 

For businesses, ergonomic products like monitor mounts and keyboard trays allow employees, guests, or clients to customize their screen and keyboard position while also allowing them to be stowed away when not in use. 

With a worldwide push towards increased useability, businesses are seeking to partner with equipment and product manufacturers that have integrated motion control systems. By incorporating motion control engineering at the manufacturing stage, business owners and product designers have greater flexibility when designing custom motion control solutions. 

Motion Control Engineering | Trust The Experts

Whether you’re designing a custom motion control hinge for a flip-up countertop or integrating a murphy bed into a small hotel room, motion control solutions can maximize the usable space and add efficiency, safety, and comfort to any area.

The engineering team at Weber Knapp prides itself on the ability to find creative solutions to even the most complex problems. Designing products to be used in small living or workspaces? Reach out below to have one of our engineers answer any of your custom motion control questions: