Quick answer: Define the residual load and foreseeable external loads independently of nominal spring balance. A latch should be rated through the mechanism's load path.
What should a latch hold in a counterbalanced mechanism?
Counterbalancing reduces effort but does not establish a safety-rated holding function. Manufacturing variation or spring degradation can increase latch demand. Check engagement geometry and the release motion as separate cases rather than assuming a balanced part exerts no holding load.
A practical verification method
Test engagement and release with the specified worst load and spring-output variation, following the product's safety requirements.
| Item | What to record | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Reference configuration | Part or assembly identity and drawing revision | Make comparisons traceable |
| Test conditions | Relevant position, direction and operating condition | Compare the same characteristic |
| Decision evidence | Test engagement and release with the specified worst load and spring-output variation, following the product's safety requirements. | Resolve the specific question before approval |
Use the result in an engineering request
Describe the observed condition and the required function separately. Include the relevant drawing revision and your results from the check above. If an acceptance limit has not been established, identify it as an open design input rather than treating a successful trial as approval.
Review the related Leading Spring product information. For a project-specific review, send the mechanism description, available geometry and the evidence relevant to this decision through the contact page.
Editorial note: AI-assisted engineering guidance, prepared from the topic-specific reasoning shown here and the company’s public product context. Illustrations explain decisions; they are not customer-case photographs or test results. Product-specific suitability requires review against your approved requirements.