What Is Operating Force? The Basics of Mechanical Design
What Is Operating Force?
What Is Operating Force?
Operating force is the force required to move a door or lid.
For example, by calculating the force needed to open or close a door, optimal design and improved usability can be achieved.
- The required force changes depending on the weight of the door and the position at which it is moved.
- Calculating operating force during the design stage allows you to select suitable components and achieve smoother operation.
How to Calculate Operating Force
Assuming the torque axis is at the centre of rotation, the operating force can be calculated using the following formulas.
Operating Force When the Torque Axis Is Not at the Centre of Rotation
A different calculation formula applies to torque stays with a torque generation axis that is not at the centre of rotation. Please use our Torque Stay Selection Tool in these cases.
How to Approach Operating Force with Swivel Hinges
Operating Force on Swivel Hinges
When a door swivels horizontally, its mass does not affect the theoretical calculation. The operating force can be calculated using the formula below.
* This assumes that torque is generated at the centre of rotation.
Example
For the HG-S50-34 Swivel Torque Hinge (torque value 5.0 ± 20% N·m), with a door mass of 3 kg and a horizontal distance of 450 mm from the centre of rotation to the operating point, the operating force is calculated as 5.0 N·m ÷ 450 mm × 1000 = 11.11 N.
Additionally, with a torque variation of ±20%,
the operating force is 5.0 N·m × 0.8 ÷ 450 mm × 1000 = 8.89 N at the lower limit,
and 5.0 N·m × 1.2 ÷ 450 mm × 1000 = 13.33 N at the upper limit.
This means the operating force range is approximately 8.89 N to 13.33 N.
Make the actual calculation
Operating force = Torque value ÷ Horizontal distance from centre of rotation to operating point
Eliminate complex moment calculations with our selection tool!
You can also simulate operating force easily!
Use our MDT Selection Tool to choose products that suit your needs,
just by entering the distance to the centre of gravity and the mass of the lid.
