Weber Knapp Blog

It’s a pretty well-established fact that industry professionals tend to neglect themselves when it comes to their crafts.

Today’s buyers want more features integrated into their products. They also want something that either doesn't take up a lot of space or uses space in a unique, effective way. So, how does a product designer balance the two?

Have you ever looked at your grill design and thought, “I wish this lid wasn’t so heavy and didn’t slam whenever I let go?” 

Today “motion control” implies automation, robotics, and electronics. But you’d be amazed at what you can achieve when you combine old-fashioned mechanical engineering with a creativity-minded manufacturer.

A busy restaurant with every table full and each bar stool occupied is a restaurant owner’s dream. However, a full house comes with a significant risk of injury to staff and patrons.

Imagine this: A waiter fills a large drink order from the bar. They carefully balance the tray of drinks with one hand as they start toward a table of expectant patrons. Working quickly, the waiter attempts to lift the pass-through with their free hand but has difficulty lifting the 45-pound countertop. While straining to lift with one hand, the waiter loses control of the carefully balanced tray of drinks. 

The mix of broken glass and liquid on the floor creates a significant safety hazard and takes a bite out of the restaurant’s profits. 

Motion control has made a lot of tasks easier in a number of industries. New products incorporate counterbalance or spring-assist hinges to provide a new, improved solution to an old or long-standing problem. Weber Knapp offers a series of case studies to provide you with a better idea of the potential solutions to any hinge-related problems you may encounter. 

Workers deal with a lot of equipment and applications that can cause trauma to their hands. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 102,350 total hand injuries occurred in 2020. 

Designers and homeowners seem to be of two minds when it comes to the kitchen. While some envision a large, open-air concept with plenty of storage and countertop space, others are of a more minimalist mindset. They look for creative ways to get the most “bang for the buck” out of the smallest of spaces.