Project Description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory | Laurel, Maryland

Project Description

Founded in 1942, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center in Laurel, Maryland, known for advanced engineering and rapid prototyping. The lab’s mechanical design team needed a hinge solution for a circular hatch door assembly weighing about 100 lbs that had to close softly without slamming. Mounting space around the round hatch was limited, so the hinges had to fit a compact plate while keeping the heavy door stable and controlled.

Waterson recommended a pair of K51P hydraulic hybrid hinges mounted symmetrically above and below the hatch center, because a single hinge could not provide enough closing control to prevent slamming. The built-in hydraulic mechanism regulates closing speed through the swing, while the two-hinge layout shares the load and keeps the hatch aligned. The team ordered both a standard version and a hold open version, giving them flexibility during prototyping and allowing the hatch to stay open for access or maintenance.

Waterson Product

• K51P-500-B2-US32D: Full surface 5 inches x 5 inches, soft closing, satin brush finish US32D, heavy-weight duty, adjustable closing speed, 304 stainless steel.
  
• K51P-500-D2-US32D: Full surface 5 inches x 5 inches, hold open, soft closing, satin brush finish US32D, heavy-weight duty, adjustable closing speed, 304 stainless steel.

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Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.

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