This is the forum for helping you out if you're stuck in Grimrock 2 or if you want to discuss about the mysteries of the Isle of Nex. Warning: forum contains spoilers!
The whole trap door setup resembles a clock. The key is at the 6 o'clock position and the entrance to the secret is at 12 o'clock. The closed trap door has the function of a clock hand. Every in-game hour the closed trap door will move by one slot.