Force Transducer
A force transducer measures the applied force from the proportional deformation of a spring element and converts it into transmitted output signals sent to indicators, controllers, data acquisition systems and computer systems. As a general force measurement rule, the greater the amount of force, the more the spring is deformed. The manufacturing, automotive, medical, defense, and assembly line industries use force transducers in applications like quality assurance in manufacturing and assembly, press monitoring, biomechanics, product testing, materials testing, dynamic weighing of moving vehicles and wheel force measurement. They are also used in the home in kitchen scales and small, portable tire pressure gauges. These force measurement systems produce data by analog or digital electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic outputs. They are inexpensive to produce and long lasting.
The object or material being measured by a force transducer must exhibit some elasticity in order to work correctly. Their components include a scale platform, electronic system for the output, voltage and a strain gauge sensor or load cell. There are four main types of force transducers, all ranging in method of measuring and construction. Strain gauge load cells are the most common type and have multiple elastic elements that measure the force in certain spots. Piezoelectric crystal force transducers use quartz under pressure, which produces an electrical charge that is proportional to the mechanical load applied. Hydraulic load cells use pressurized liquid to measure force, while pneumatic systems uses force and pneumatic pressure. The counteracting pressure is measured and displayed.