Papers by Keyword: Load Cell

Abstract: In the challenging environment of the Negeri Roadstone Malaysia quarry, maintaining accuracy in the weight measurement of raw materials and finished products is paramount. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of an integrated weighing system comprising load cells and ultrasonic sensors, used strategically at the quarry site. By leveraging the precision of strain gauge technology inherent in load cells and the distance-measuring capabilities of ultrasonic sensors, the system aims to offer accurate weight estimations across varying distributions of materials, mainly sand. The load cell yields an average weight of 703.8192g, 701.8220g and 702.4949g which is very close to the actual weight of the sand (700g). Experimental results highlight the sensitivity of ultrasonic measurements to the distribution pattern of sand, emphasising the importance of material consistency for accurate volume-to-weight conversions. Furthermore, integrating the Node-RED platform showcases real-time data visualisation, enhancing the system's usability and data analysis capabilities. Through this study, we underscore the potential and challenges of employing a hybrid weighing system, offering insights for future implementations in similar industrial settings.

Abstract: Cable tension is one of the important indexes of cable integrity as well as bridge stability and can be measured by various tension measurement methods. Parallel strand cables are special in structure, so the cable force measurement is more complex and difficult than other types of cables. In order to evaluate the common measurement methods for parallel strand cables, based on the Tongling Yangtze river road-rail bridge, the monitoring data during constructions were collected for statistical analysis. This paper summarized the common measurement methods for parallel strand cables, compared the test data form different measurement methods and in different construction stages. The results show the lift-off method assisted by the vibration wire load cell method can ensure force uniformity, the difference of forces measured by the vibration frequency method, the load cell method and the lift-off method is less than 5%, which can basically meet the constructions control requirement of cable force. This paper offer good reference value to other similar parallel strand cable stayed bridges.

Abstract: Cellular material such as aluminium foam has been considered as a potential material for energy absorption upon impact and blast loadings. One of the most important properties that contribute to this feature is the densification strain. At high impact velocity, prediction of the densification strain from quasi-static engineering stress-strain curve has been found inadequate. Furthermore, theoretical prediction using the equation proposed by Reid et al. always over-predicts the dynamic crushing stress. Formation of the shock wave at high impact velocity is believed to further increase the densification level of the foam. However, this effect is disregarded when determining the densification strain quasi-statically. The present study aims to address this issue by determining the densification strain experimentally from impact tests. Forty cylindrical aluminium foams with three different lengths were used as projectiles and were fired towards a rigid load cell by using a gas gun. The peak forces generated from the impact were recorded and analysed. The experimental densification strains were determined physically by measuring the deformation of the foam projectiles after the tests. It is concluded that, at high impact velocity, the densification strain varies with the initial impact velocity. Therefore an appropriate value of densification strain needs to be used in the equation of dynamic crushing stress for a better approximation.

Abstract: A load cell is an important component in measuring thrust generated by rocket in rocket technology research and development. It aims to test the rocket thrust in achieving the targeted objectives of the project. A load cell is a transducer that is used to convert a force into electrical signal and it usually consists of four strain gauges assembled in Wheatstone bridge configuration. The strain gauge converts the deformation (strain) to electrical signals. This conversion occurs in two stages. First, the strain gauges on the load cell will detect the deformation of load cell structure (tension or compression) and second, the strain gauge will convert the changes in the load cell in terms of voltage readings. Before the load cell can be used as the thrust sensor in rocket testing, it must undergo a calibration process to determine the relation between Load (kg) and Voltage (V). LabVIEW is used as a platform for data logging interface which is connected to the National Instrument hardware. National Instrument hardware acts as a signal conditioning which allow the voltage readings acquired by load cell to be collected and analyzed by LabVIEW. Each load cell has its own equation that links between force and voltage. The equation is used as a reference to convert the voltage reading to thrust.

Abstract: This research applied a stylus probe without balance and lever arm as in the previous design of a contact-force-controlled Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) system. The controller integrated both Ziegler-Nichols-based and intelligent fuzzy methods; thus the systems relative stability can be reserved under the nominal conditions. In addition, one can see that both hysteresis and parameter variation effects of the force actuator can be reduced. Comparing the results with the traditional Ziegler-Nichols-based controller by simulation, one can see that the proposed systems are much more robust.

Abstract: In practice the method is widely used, by which a gravity is measured using multiple load cells. A weighing system is introduced in this paper, in which a gravity is measured by multiple load cells with digital addition. The mathematical model of weighing system with digital addition is established. Normal calibration method is not suitable for the on-line calibration of weighing system with digital addition. When the mathematical model is given, the accurate on-line calibration of weighing system with digital addition is achieved by using optimization method.

Abstract: Mass properties of aerospace vehicle viz Weight, Center of Gravity (Xcg, Ycg, Zcg) & Mass Moment of Inertia (Ixx, Iyy & Izz) are critical inertial parameters which are vital to meet the intended mission objectives. Accurate mass properties measurement is needed for fast maneuvering aerospace vehicles to meet the Control and Guidance requirements within the tolerable limits generated by the System Designer. Mass properties estimation is vital during the configuration design phase of an aerospace vehicle. Assumptions and Constraints during the configuration design, limits the accuracy of estimations making the mass properties measurement mandatory. The mass properties of the aerospace vehicle can be measured by numerous methods, but for achieving high accuracies within the tolerable limits, the measurement system should have advanced technologies and measurement methodologies. Based on the experience, mass properties measurement systems were designed using Load Cells and Cross-Flexural Pivots in two different systems (Weight and CG in System-1, MOI in System-2), which have limited accuracy and also involves tedious external measurements. Adopting Air-Bearing (T / H / Spherical shape) supported with accurate sensors using Inverted Torsion Pendulum method, Multiple Point Weighing method and a proper measurement methodology, enhances the accuracy of the measurement system. Usage of spherical bearing yields a better accurate system but has the difficulty in realization of the system indigenously, whereas use of T or H-shape bearing is a feasible solution for achieving the desired accurate mass properties specifications. This paper gives an insight into to the product design aspects to be considered for realization of accurate mass properties measurement system.

Abstract: An overload limiter is used to prevent its overturning accident during an operating of a movable crane. Recently the indirectly measuring method, which measures hoisting load and overturning moment of overload limiter, demands instead of the existing method, which measures only hoisting load. The indirectly measuring method is how to conduct the hoisting load and overturning moment as measuring the load of hydraulic cylinder for a luffing driving of boom. So we need to develop the many-angular pin type load cell with the measuring angle of ±10 degree instead of the existing load cell with the measuring angle of ±2 degree. In this study we conducted the finite element analysis in order to evaluate the effect of the aspect ratio of measuring cross section on the measuring limit of the load cell to develop the many-angular pin type load cell. For this investigation, the aspect ratio of measuring cross section and load applying angle were adopted as design parameters and the stresses of measuring part were evaluated for each parameter.

Abstract: The key point of this research is to use Linear Velocity Transducer (LVT) to detect the vertical velocity of the stylus probe for the inner-loop damping and transient control of a force actuator. This improvement has been verified by MATLAB simulation and practical implementation of a surface profiler to reduce the hysteresis effect of the force actuator.

Abstract: This paper represents the development of 3-axises loadcell for measuring the side-force of the suspension module of MPV (Multi Purposed Vehicle). The side force causes the failure of damper, such as leakage. The loadcell was developed using strain gauges, and the Wheastone bridge circuit to compensate for the cross-talk between each axises and the measurement error by temperature. Structure analysis of loadcell was accomplished with FEM (Finite Element Method) to optimize the location of strain gages. The design optimization for the important factors that have effects on performance of loadcell was accomplished by using DOE (Design of Experiment). Loadcell was produced and successfully tested, showing good sensitivity and low cross-talk. The cross-talk of the developed loadcell is below 2%. The measured history using the manufactured load cell will be utilized in the vibration, and fatigue analysis in the future.