Remember that with most any spring-type mechanism (coil spring, torsion bar, etc), if it makes the shell easier to open, it will also make it harder to close, since it must re-compress the spring in preparation for the next opening. This can be self-defeating. If the shell gets too hard to close, you have to back off on the torsion bar adjustment, which moves you back toward where you started.
What is needed is an asymmetrical lift aid - it helps as you open, but does not hinder as you close. That was the idea behind my suggestion for the electric motor-driven jackscrew - you can retract it electrically once the shell is open, and it has no effect on closing.
Larry, your idea of the latch-down lever is another good example of an unsymmetrical aid.
Bill
|