Weber Knapp Blog

When designing commercial furniture, it’s easy to focus on the big picture — sleek lines, sturdy frames, and modern finishes. However, one small but often overlooked component can make or break your design: the cabinet hinge. 

For commercial furniture designers, functionality is just as important as aesthetics. 

Furniture is more than just a functional element in a space — it plays a key role in defining the ambiance of a room, showcasing personal style, and simplifying everyday tasks. 

RVs could easily be dubbed "tiny houses on wheels." While they offer a touch of luxury for your camping adventures, it's no secret that space is limited.

When trying to include an innovative or safety-minded motion control design in your product, there’s a sneaky-confusing word you should know: torque. 

Torque is very important.

Maximizing comfort and value in an interior space is both fun and challenging for home and hospitality designers. It’s the #1 priority for tiny homes and studio apartments, but also a worthwhile endeavor for those designing in larger spaces.

That’s why multipurpose and fold-out furniture is quickly gaining traction in the home and hospitality markets.

Fold-out and multipurpose furniture either serve multiple functions, allow for easy storage, or both.

Consider an upscale restaurant on a busy Saturday evening.

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: 

• The Easy Way
• The Easier Way
• The Easiest Way!

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.

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.