Actuator calculator for

Lid Force requirements

Enter the details below and press "Calculate" to see the required actuator force.

Calculation Formula

Force = (W1 * L3) / L1

Description of the Lid Force Calculator

The Lid Force Calculator is designed to determine the theoretical force required by an electric linear actuator to open a hinged lid or trap door. This calculator specifically focuses on scenarios where the lid is attached at one end via a hinge, and an actuator is used to lift or push the lid open from a point away from the hinge. The application could be relevant for various scenarios, such as:

• Trap Doors: Imagine a trap door in a floor, like in a living room or an industrial setting, where access to a lower level or storage space is needed.
• Industrial Containers: For large industrial bins or containers where lids need to be opened for loading or unloading materials.

How It Works

Inputs:

• L2: Distance from the fixed end of the Actuator (Not used in this calculation)
• L1: Distance from the hinge to where the actuator is attached.
• L3: Total length of the lid.
• W1: Weight of the lid in pounds.

The calculator uses the formula:

Force = (W1 × L2) / L1

Important Considerations

• No safety factor, friction, or external forces considered.
• Recommended safety factor of 50% to ensure reliability.

Application Example

For a trap door or boat hatch type application:

If the trap door or boat hatch is 100 inches long (L3), weighs 100 lbs (W1), the hinge is at one end, and the actuator is attached 10 inches from the hinge (L1), with the lid's effective weight acting at 50 inches from the hinge (L2), the calculator would determine the force needed.

Force = (100 × 50) / 10 = 500 lbs

To select the ideal actuator, add a 50% safety factor:

Selected Actuator Force = 500 × 1.5 = 750 lbs

Thus, you would look for an actuator that can provide at least 750 lbs of force to ensure safety and longevity.