tegenwicht

Counterweight, in Dutch tegenwicht, is a heavy mass used to offset another load, providing balance, stability, or easier control in a mechanical system. The term combines tegen (against) and gewicht (weight), reflecting its role in balancing forces rather than driving motion.

In engineering, counterweights are applied where an opposing force must be balanced to reduce the required input energy or to improve safety and control. Common applications include cranes and hoists, where a counterweight balances the load being lifted; elevators, where the counterweight offsets the car’s weight to reduce motor power; and various doors, gates, or drawbridges that rely on balanced movement. In some mechanisms, weights provide energy or help regulate motion, while counterweights ensure smooth, controlled operation.

Beyond physical systems, tegenwicht can be used metaphorically to describe a counterbalance to a trend, policy, or opinion, offering an opposing force to maintain overall balance in a system or discourse.

Design considerations for counterweights include selecting an appropriate mass relative to the load, determining the mounting geometry, and accounting for dynamic forces, safety margins, and potential failure modes. Modern implementations may combine mechanical counterweights with hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuation to achieve precise control and energy efficiency.