Holding cover open with one arm, adjusting with other

Background

Machines often have covers and doors that need to be opened and closed frequently by production personnel. Some doors are heavy, and the process of using them take extra time (and thus slow production) plus can create strain on operators’ arms. Furthermore, these actions constitute additional steps that sometimes can be eliminated.

Ideas and Options

Hinges and quick releases

Springs

Air spring

Probably the most common current type of assist for heavy covers doors and

Heavy cover panel with air cylinders

Counterbalances

Counterbalance

testing machine with an especially heavy cover.

Power assists

Arms

Heavy cover for testing unit must be regularly opened and moved out of the way.

Pass throughs

Before	After

Slides

Homemade door slide from kitchen drawer hardware

Door slides

Arms