FAQ Sasuga-kun | Frequently Asked Questions about Motion Design Tech Selection Tool

A1: It is an online tool which does all the calculations for you and will automatically display products from our lineup which are suitable based on what information you provide.
Sasuga-Kun makes the entire process of searching for products, simple and easy, and straightforward.
All you need to do is enter your requirements.

About DAMPENING HINGES and SOFT-CLOSING STAYS tool

Q1: Why is the material density in this tool is different from actual one?

A1: It is just for reference and depends on types of wood such MDF, Particle board, plywood, flush.
Please enter the actual value.

Q2: Why can’t I only use one hinge?

A2: Basically, we recommend using two or more hinges. If you want to only one hinge, you need to prevent uneven loading. In addition, please check proper alignment of the hinge.

Q3: What should I pay attention when using multiple hinges?

A3: Please ensure that the hinges are properly lined up.

Q4: Why do opening and closing speeds vary in summer and winter?

A4: That is because we use a viscous medium to develop resistance, which means damping speed can be affected by changes in temperature. Please note the purpose of the damper mechanism is to reduce speed, not to adjust it.

Q5: When dampening hinges are used on identical doors, why does the opening　speed differ?

A5: Even if the environment around each hinge is identical, there is still a small　torque variance between dampers to be expected, which is not a defect.

Q6: What should I consider if I don’t have the inner dimensions to input?

A6: Please bear in mind products that are mounted internally require a certain amount of space, and if the internal size is not large enough you will not be able to install the product. Inputting the internal dimensions ensures the recommended part will fit.

Q7: What should be considered if "handle position and weight" are not inputted when condition values are "From dimension and flap/door weight" and "from center of gravity/weight".

A7: It is possible that the correct hinges will not be shown/available, as accurate moment force cannot be calculated. Please enter all values as accurately as possible to prevent any issues, as moment force is heavily influenced by flap/door weight and the distance between the rotational centre/axis and installation point.

Q8: Why do hinges selected by this tool not hold my flap fully open?

A8: Possible reasons are;
-Inputted value was different from the actual one.
If handle weight is not calculated, there is a difference.
-Specified torque does not arise due to unbalanced load.
Please adjust them to prevent unbalanced load.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.

Q9: Can you produce a hinge whose torque is not included in Sugatsune's catalogue or this tool?

A9: We can accept and produce custom orders, although a minimum production quantity is required.
For smaller orders, we usually recommend adjusting the flap/door weight and centre of gravity so that an existing hinge would work. For further details, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us for a custom order.

Q10: Can I order a stay with a shortened arm?

A10: We can accept custom orders, although there will be a minimum order amount required.
For example, the SDS-100-TV is small version of SDS-100.
→Please click here to contact us for a custom order.

Q11: How can I install stays at a position not included in Sugatsune's catalogues?
Is this condition available?

A11: Installation position will affect the overall assembly. For any specific application, please contact us. We reserve the right to invoice an engineering fee on a case-by-case basis.
→Please click here to contact us

About SLS-ELAN tool

Q1: How does SLS-ELAN work ?

A1: The stay has Free-stop and Soft-down functions. Free stop feature holds a flap in any open position from 30° to 90°,and it slowly closes at the end (around 30°). It also has a lift-assist mechanism allowing you open a flap lightly.

About TORQUE HINGES, FREE STOP HINGES tool

Q1: Although the application torque is lower than the maximum product torque, I cannot select an item.

A1: For safety reason, maximum torque of the product is usually not used and we indicate a safety margin for some article.
・ Ex: Maximum article torque is 2.5N.m±20% x2 =5.0N.m (for 2 hinges)
・ Application torque is 4.5N.m
・ Taking into consideration the safety margin, the maximum recommended torque
　 2.5 x 0.8 x 2= 4.0N.m. This article would therefore not be displayed

Q2: My application maximum angle is lower than the one of the maximum torque: is it possible to show only the used angle range?

A2: Unfortunately, we can only show the full range of use for each article.

Q3: How are "Operating Force on lifting up" and "Operating Force on pushing down" calculated?

A3: Please refer to the formula below.
Operating Force on lifting up={(Hinge torque x Quantity) + Flap/door moment}÷ Distance of rotational center to operation point.
Operating Force on pushing down= {(Hinge torque x Quantity) + Flap/door moment}÷ Distance of rotational center to operation point.

Q4: Material density in this tool is different from an actual one.

A4: It is just for reference and depends on types of wood such MDF, Particle board, plywood, flush.
Please enter the actual value.

Q5: How can I find the flap’s weight or centre of gravity, even though it is attached to something?

A5: Please refer "Concept of "center of gravity" and Torque". In this page, you can find a method of measuring weight by spring scale.
Please refer to our page on “Concept of ‘Centre of Gravity’ and Torque” where you can find a method of measuring for weight using a spring scale.

Q6: Is it possible to use only one hinge/three or more hinges?

A6: Our selection tool is based on theoretical figures.
If you are only using one torque hinge, it is susceptible to an unbalanced load. Please ensure you balance the load the hinge is taking for maximum stability.
If you are using more than two hinges, it is more likely that the hinge centres/axis are not aligned correctly. Please ensure the hinge axis/centres are in a straight line.

Q7: There are many suitable products for my application: which one should I use?

A7

There are various selection standards. The followings are examples.

・Smooth operatability (low torque)
・Easy-to-install shape
・Small torque variance
・Detent hinge

If you have any further questions, please contact us.

Q8: Why does a product selected by this tool not have free stop?

A8: Possible reasons are listed below;
If the weight of the handle is not calculated there will be a difference between the calculated and actual figures.
The torque direction could be reversed (excluding detent hinges) There may be uneven loading on a hinge, with too little torque on it/one side. Please adjust to prevent uneven loading.
If the reasons above aren’t applicable, there is also a possibility the hinge may be defective. If this is the case, please contact us.

Q9: Specifications shown on Sasuga-kun are lower than the ones shown when I last purchased this item?

A9: We have added a safety margin in Sasuga-kun in order to avoid any issues of selection.
For example, if 2.5 ±20% of torque swings down, it will be 2N・m.
If it swings up, it will be 3N・m.
Due to this torque variance, there is a case that operatability is different between prototype and mass-produced product.
In this tool, it is calculate by a lower limit of torque.

Q10: Do you have any duration test data?

A10: We can provide some hinge/stay test data for many of our items. For details on specific products, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us

Q11: Are there other products which are not included on this tool?

A11: Yes, there are. For example, Dual Axis Torque Hinge (HG-T70S30) and Swivel Torque Hinge
(HG-S) types are not included in this tool.
If other models from our catalogue interest you, please contact us for details.
→Please click here to contact us

Q12: Can you produce a hinge whose torque is not included in this tool or Sugatsune's catalogue?

A12: We do accept custom order, although there is a minimum production quantity.
For smaller orders, we normally recommend adjusting the door/flap weight and centre of gravity so that an existing hinge will work.
We also have an adjustable torque hinge, the HG-ITJ4080, for your consideration.
For more details on any of the above, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us for a custom order.

Q13: Are there any adjustable torque hinges/stays?

A13: Our adjustable torque hinge, the HG-ITJ4080 is available.
For detail, please click here.

Q14: Can I use torque hinges as a Soft-Close mechanism?

A14: Torque Hinge is for Free Stop, not for Soft Close.
For Soft Close, please use dampening hinge/stay.

About LID STAYS, FREE STOP HINGES tool

Q1: Installation position will affect the overall assembly. For any specific application, please contact us. We reserve the right to invoice an engineering fee on a case-by-case basis.

A1: Operation and torque are dependent on the installation point of each hinge.
For more details, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us

About HG-PA HINGES tool

Q1: What is the purpose of this item?

A1: The best answer of this question depends on customer's need.
For example, some need Lift-assist hinge, however the other need Free Stop hinge.
Please refer to "how to see graph" indicating ideal graph.

Q2: The graph shown for my application is different from the ideal graph.

A2: Please change "center of gravity", weight, etc. there is a case that weighting end of flap/door led to the ideal graph.
Ideal graph shape depends on each customer's needs. For example if you want to decrease Operation Force, it is no problem that moment of flap is over hinge torque.

About S-AT STAYS tool

Q1: Don’t know how it comes to be available.

A1: The best answer of this question depends on customer's need.
For example, some need Lift-assist hinge, however the other need Free Stop hinge.
Please refer to "how to see graph" indicating ideal graph.

Q2: The displayed graph is not similar to the ideal graph.

A2: Please change "center of gravity", weight, etc. there is a case that weighting end of flap/door led to the ideal graph.
Ideal graph shape depends on each customer's needs. For example if you want to decrease Operation Force, it is no problem that moment of flap is over hinge torque.

Q3: Is it possible to install the hinges/stays in a position which is not shown in the nstallation guide or catalogue?

A3: Installation position will affect the overall assembly. For any specific application, please contact us. We reserve the right to invoice an engineering fee on a case-by-case basis.
Please click here to contact us

Q4: The graph shown for my application is different from the ideal graph.

A4: There is a difference between them, because values in this tool are set by considering possible trouble.
We recommend you to check flap/door movement by test production based on a result from this tool.
Availability of hinge/stay depends on movement which a customer needs. For detail, please contact us.

Other

Q1: The graph is not visible.

A1: Combination use of OS Windows 7 SP1 and IE8 can cause that problem.
Please try the following actions as trouble shooting.
1. Use other browser (Google chrome, Fire fox etc.)
2. Update the IE version
If no graph is displayed even though you did the action above, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us

Q2: Display gets corrupted. (example, Jaggy display, menu on the right side page)

A2: A certain settings of IE can cause that problem. Please try the actions as troubleshooting.
(1)please click [tool] and [compatibility view settings]. Please untick.
(2)Update IE version
If there is a case on other browser or version, please contact us.
→Please click here to contact us

Q3: The right side of my page isn’t printing, how to I fix this?

A3: When you print a page with IE, there is a case that right side of the page is not printed.
Please try the following actions as trouble shooting.
(1)Try to use other browser (google chrome, Firefox etc.)
(2)Please adjust printing magnification (eg. 85%) on print setting window.
(3)Please adjust printing magnification (eg 85%) on print preview window

Q4: What are Sugatsune’s unit sizes? (Pairs or individual, for example)

A4: Basically, it is "1pcs".
For set products, the sale unit will be "1 set".

Q5: What is ‘Sasuga-kun’?

A5: Sasuga-kun is a character born from our Motion Design Tech series, who helps you find the correct product for your needs. Please care for him.