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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

Does Your Unconventional Project Need a Heavy Duty Hinge?

Posted by Weber Knapp on Nov 28, 2023 4:49:44 PM

Your project is unusual. 

You aim to solve a unique problem that requires a custom solution. Adding mechanical motion control would perfect your design

But is it possible?

In the world of motion control solutions, there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach.

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Topics: Applications, Design, Counterbalance, Counterbalance Hinge, Engineering, Hinges, Vectis, Manufacturing

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

Choosing a Heavy-Duty Lid Support Hinge | Quick Reference Guide

Posted by Weber Knapp on Nov 28, 2023 2:21:55 PM

From the retractable keyboard tray you use at work to the cupboard doors in your kitchen, hinges are a part – often unnoticed – of everyday life. 

Sometimes, they take on bigger applications, such as industrial refrigerator door in the restaurant kitchen or the counter pass-through at a store.

In these more demanding scenarios, selecting the appropriate type of hinge, whether it's robust lid supports or adaptable gas spring hinges, becomes a significant factor in maintaining functionality and longevity.

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Topics: Design, Gas Springs, Hinges, Industrial, Lid Support

Glamping Furniture Design: Style & Functionality with Kinematic Hinges

Posted by Weber Knapp on Oct 24, 2023 11:05:10 AM

The term "roughing it" doesn’t apply to "glamping." 

Short for glamorous camping, glamping is a way for people to connect with nature without sacrificing the comforts of modern living. In fact, glamping brings a bit of luxury to a camping scenario. 

When designing glamping furniture, the key is to balance style and functionality.

One crucial component in achieving this balance is using kinematic hinges. These innovative hinges add an element of luxury to glamping furniture design and provide smooth and controlled motion, making them an essential feature for glamping furniture.

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Topics: Applications, Design, Counterbalance Hinge, Engineering, Hinges, Aesthetics, kitchen, Manufacturing, Hospitality Furniture

Ergonomics & Custom Hotel Furniture: 4 Hotel Interior Design Trends

Posted by Weber Knapp on Oct 7, 2023 1:15:00 AM

While hospitality design trends come and go (and then tend to come back again), the latest wave of hotel interior design seems to be leaning more traditional and toward creating a warm, welcoming ambiance. 

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Topics: Ergonomics, Design, office equipment, Hospitality Furniture

Innovative Ergonomic Solutions: Trends for 2024

Posted by Weber Knapp on Oct 4, 2023 10:20:00 AM

With the evolution of workplaces and technological progression, innovative ergonomic solutions have become essential for companies aiming to foster health-conscious and efficient work settings.

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Topics: Ergonomics, Design, Safety, office equipment

Elevate Your Products with Vectis Customized Industrial Hinges

Posted by Weber Knapp on Aug 2, 2023 4:14:00 PM

Despite the advent of electric motion controls, the relevance of mechanical motion control in today's technologically advanced world cannot be understated. 

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Topics: Motion Control, Design, Hinges, Vectis

Looking for a Custom Hinge? Try Our DYO Hinge App

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jul 20, 2023 2:07:17 PM

When the Rolling Stones said, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need,” we’re pretty sure they weren’t talking about hinges. 

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Topics: Design, Counterbalance, Counterbalance Hinge, Vectis

Creating Efficient Spaces with Foldaway Beds

Posted by Weber Knapp on Jul 14, 2023 4:35:00 PM

The global pandemic has prompted a significant shift in our priorities and perceptions, particularly when it comes to our living spaces. As people spent more time at home, a newfound appreciation for space optimization and efficiency emerged. 

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Topics: Motion Control, Design, Durability, hospitality, trends