Weber Knapp Blog

No matter where you live, work, or play, there are hinges around. Cabinets, fridges, grills, cars, and airplanes all have hinges that we interact with on the day-to-day. 

Boats in particular offer an interesting opportunity for implementing kinematic motion control, mechanical spring counterbalance, and spring assist technologies. Marine hinge design takes into account factors ordinary hinge design might not, including weather condition, humidity, and corrosion. 

Is standing at work healthier than sitting? Yes, but even employees with a sit-stand desk don’t want to be on their feet all day. 

Books can be timeless -- until they’re in tatters. 

So you’ve read up on the benefits of ergonomic office products. You’ve heard rave reviews about the top ergonomic office chairs, ergonomic computer solutions (i.e. advanced keyboard mechanisms and adjustable monitor arms), and desktop components for training desks. 

An eight-hour workday can make staying alert and fully focused a challenge for even the most invested employees. Standing desk ergonomics can go a long way toward improving focus over the course of the workday. It also puts you in a better mood, since your body releases endorphins while standing. 

Motion and perceived quality are closely linked. When a lid, cover, or door moves smoothly with just the “right” amount of effort, users can tell it's a high quality product.

Ergonomics is a recognized factor in employee health, productivity and workplace safety. Facilities that do not budget for and pay attention to ergonomics see employees with repetitive stress injuries, distracted from their work, and less than thrilled to be there.

Staff efficiency is improved when priority is given to ergonomics. For example, investing in an ergonomic keyboard means a typist can improve speed, cut back on mistakes and spend more time typing and less on breaks. 

The user experience for a product with a heavy lid or cover can range from awkward to annoying to downright dangerous.

Picture holding an industrial toolbox lid in place while reaching in one-handed, maybe twisting your back in the process. Or what if it comes down suddenly when your arm or fingers are in the way? The bruises won't be pretty, and the damage might be much worse.

This is why many designers add gas spring lid supports to their lid design. Others lean toward using counterbalance spring mechanisms or other mechanical spring solutions.