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Motion Control Engineering & Manufacturing Resources

Weber Knapp Blog

Hinge Design: How to Find the Center of Gravity of Irregular Objects

Posted by Weber Knapp on Feb 8, 2024 12:00:00 PM

Improving stability.

Upgrading performance. 

Enhancing safety. 

These are just a few of the reasons a design engineer might find themselves calculating the center of gravity for any object. 

In the world of hinge design, this calculation can be used for someone as simple as keeping a lid, door, or cover from slamming into something -- or someone.

Designing a no-slam hinge doesn’t just keep your customers safer, it also keeps you protected … from lawsuits. On a lighter note (pun intended), a steady open/close also improves ease of use for customers.

Finding the center of gravity in objects isn’t always easy; not all objects are perfect circles or simply symmetrical. In fact, most aren’t, and calculating their center of gravity takes a certain level of skill – something an experienced heavy-duty hinge manufacturer possesses. 

In this article, we’ll look at three ways (in order of decreasing difficulty) for how to find the center of gravity of an irregular object. Can't wait? Click on any one of the ways to jump to the corresponding section: 

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Topics: Counterbalances, Motion Control, Design

Precision Matters: Get the Right Lift Gate for Your Folding Countertop

Posted by Weber Knapp on Nov 28, 2023 4:10:14 PM

You have a beautiful kitchen design in mind, complete with a folding countertop. 

But have you considered the weight of this addition? 

When it comes to folding countertop projects, precision is key. The weight and size of the countertop being lifted can greatly affect the counterbalance of the motion control system, and guessing or estimating can lead to serious problems. 

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Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Motion Control, Design, Center of Gravity, Counterbalance, Counterbalance Hinge, Engineering, Hinge, Hinges, Manufacturing

Small Boutique Hotel Room Design Ideas + Motion Control: 8 Details a Vendor Needs

Posted by Weber Knapp on Sep 15, 2023 10:07:00 AM

From country roads to major highways, you'll likely spot more boutique hotels than vast chains. Even near big cities, boutique hotels are gaining traction. 

Globally, today's clientele values the "experience" aspect of their purchases. This holds for an awaited online package, a meal at a themed eatery, and beyond. 

Hotels and motels are striving to offer that distinct experience.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Motion Control, Gas Springs, Appliance, Center of Gravity, Counterbalance Hinge, Engineering, Hinge, Durability, Aesthetics, Safety, Food Industry, Testing & Prototyping, kitchen, hospitality, office equipment, Manufacturing, Hospitality Furniture

What Is a Counterbalance System?

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jul 20, 2023 3:45:00 PM

Like so many other manufacturing technologies, counterbalance systems make life easier for the end customer. Matched with the right application, they can be a game-changer for user experience and safety.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Motion Control

6 Counterbalance Spring Hinge Design Details for Your Manufacturer

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jul 13, 2023 8:02:00 AM

We manufacturers would love it if we could design your component first and have you build your product around it. Of course, that’s usually not possible -- you have certain specs you want to meet, and we understand our design has to fit those parameters.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Design, Engineering, Vectis, Durability, standards & certifications

How to Build a Custom Spring Counterbalance Hinge With the Vectis App

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jul 12, 2023 2:09:00 PM

Off-the-shelf solutions don’t fit every design. To improve user experience, resolve a safety issue, or stand out from competitors, everything you put into your product design should fit like a glove.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Motion Control, Center of Gravity, Engineering, Vectis

9 Medical Ergonomics Improvements for Your Facility

Posted by Weber Knapp on May 5, 2023 10:15:00 AM

The benefits of integrating ergonomically designed furniture and equipment are well documented and include a wide range of health, safety, and comfort benefits. 

In medical environments, ergonomics are especially important because of the multitude of people they can impact -- and we’re not just talking about patients.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Ergonomics, Medical Equipment, Safety, office equipment

Design Considerations for Commercial & Restaurant Swinging Doors

Posted by Weber Knapp on May 2, 2023 1:08:00 PM

If there’s one thing that commercial and restaurant kitchen appliances need to be, it’s durable. Ovens, grills, sinks, freezers, and microwaves all have to stand up to constant, repeated use. 

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Topics: Counterbalances, Motion Control, Appliance, Hinges, Food Industry, kitchen

Counterbalance Springs or Heavy-Duty Gas Springs? Cost Vs. Lifetime

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jan 5, 2023 9:48:00 AM

When it comes to weight and motion control, developers certainly have their options. Two of the most popular options in high-stress, high-performance applications are gas springs and counterbalance spring hinges. Like with many other competing technologies, there’s a debate over which is the better value.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Gas Springs

7 Industries That Should Spring for Custom Hinge Solutions

Posted by Weber Knapp on Oct 5, 2022 10:35:00 AM

Industries That Benefit From Custom Hinge Solutions 

While most industries could benefit from custom hinge solutions, these seven are prime candidates: (click to jump to the section) 

  1. Food service manufacturing
  2. Hospitality 
  3. Ergonomic furniture manufacturing
  4. Automobile & boat manufacturing 
  5. Industrial 
  6. Medical
  7. Ceramics manufacturing

Product improvement and differentiation should be a priority for anyone involved with an ongoing project.

One of the best ways to do that? Do something the other guys don’t have the know-how or big-picture vision to do.

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Topics: Counterbalances, Applications, Ergonomics, Motion Control, Design