Sugatsune’s guide on how to select torque hinges

More than 120 models of torque hinges are available from Sugatsune.

For the engineering and design of hardware and component products using torque technology, Sugatsune Kogyo considers safety, convenience, and efficiency. Motions using torque technology include Sugatsune’s Motion Design Tech soft, free-stop, power-assist, click, and unique motions. Sugatsune currently offers over 120 models of torque hinges, as well as several lid supports and dampers that use torque technology.

What is torque technology?

Products that feature torque technology have the ability to retain their angle and position even when a force is applied. Hinges, dampers, and lid supports that contain torque technology contain one of the following three mechanisms: Disk, Curl, and Pipe structure. Disk Torque mechanism consists of several movable disks that are sandwiched with fixed disks to create friction. Curl Torque mechanism generates friction by a rotating shaft inside a rolled spring sheet. Pipe Structure mechanism generates friction torque by a rotating shaft that is press-fit into a plastic pipe. The functionality of these mechanisms makes products with torque particularly useful for position adjusting in vehicle, medical, food, or machinery equipment or for monitors and lighting fixtures.

Torque hinges are available with various functions and in several forms, such as butt hinges, bracket hinges, concealed hinges (HG-TU), swivel, and dual-axis hinges. Some torque hinges have the capability for torque adjustment and one-way torque feature (HG-TQJ100). A torque hinge with free-stop motion (HG-TS) holds a flap, lid, or cover in one or more fixed positions at varied angles by using friction to resist motion which reduces the potential for injury. A torque hinge with detent feature prevents the lid from springing back (HG-DTA). A door or lid with power-assist motion (HG-PA) helps alleviate the strain that can be caused by lifting heavy lids.

For an overview of torque-hinge types, check out our product page on Frasers.

What is torque moment?

Torque moment is a measure of the force required to rotate a door/ lid along its axis; it may be calculated for both flat and cantilevered doors and lids. To calculate torque moment, one must consider the proportion of the weight and height (dimension which is perpendicular to the hinge(s)) of the door/ lid.

How do you calculate torque moment?

For flat lids:

Torque Moment = Weight (lbs.) x Height (inches) / 2

For cantilevered lids, torque moment is calculated to include the protruded block as follows:

Torque Moment = x + y
Torque Moment (x) = Weight (lbs.) x Height (inches) / 2
Torque Moment (y) = Height up to centre point of protrusion (inches) x Weight of protruded block (lbs.)

The Torque rating of a lid support, torque hinge, torque damper, or other mechanism should be slightly higher than the Torque Moment calculated for the door/lid to function in its intended motions.

For more technical assistance on calculating Torque Moment, please contact support@sugatsune.ca.

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