What is the Load Cell Working Principle? What Are the Common Classifications in the Market?

When it comes to load cells, many people think that this is just a sensor that measures the weight of an object. In fact, this is not completely correct. It has also been used in many fields. Load cells are similar in principle to the previously described pressure sensors, but they are not the same shape. Load cells used in modern science and technology industries are ubiquitous. Our load cell supplier will introduce the working principle and classification of load cells.

1. Load cell definition

A load cell is defined as a device that converts a mass signal into a measurable electrical output. In the basic concepts and evaluation methods of the main technical indicators of the load cell, there are qualitative differences between the old and new national standards. There are mainly S type, cantilever type, spoke type, plate ring type, bellows type, bridge type, column type and so on.

2. The load cell working principle

The working principle of the load cell has two basic structure types: linear type and rotary type (disc type). The load cell is composed of a sliding ruler and a fixed ruler (linear type) that can move relatively of. These two types of load cell synchronizers are manufactured using the same process.

The load cell first sticks the conductive copper foil (thickness 0.04~0.05mm) on the substrate of non-magnetic material such as low carbon steel or glass with insulating coagulation agent, and then uses photolithography or chemical corrosion process according to the design requirements. The copper foil is etched into planar windings of different meandering shapes, which are generally referred to as printed circuit windings. The distribution of windings on fixed length and sliding rule, rotor and stator is not the same. The windings on the fixed length and rotor are continuous windings, and the windings on the sliding scale and stator are segmented windings. The segmented windings are divided into two groups, which are arranged at a left phase angle with a difference of 7r in the space. The working principle of the load cell is also called sine and cosine windings. The continuous winding and segmented winding of the induction synchronizer are equivalent to the primary winding and secondary winding of the transformer, and work by the principle of alternating electromagnetic field and mutual inductance. 

3. Classification of load cells

(1) Resistance strain type

The resistance strain gauge is the most widely used load cell. It works on the principle that the resistance of the resistance strain gauge changes when it deforms. It is mainly composed of four parts: elastic element, resistance strain gauge, measurement circuit and transmission cable.

(2) Hydraulic type

The hydraulic press load cell has a simple and firm structure and a large measurement range, but the accuracy is generally not more than 1/100.

(3) Capacitive type

It works by the proportional relationship between the oscillation frequency f of the capacitor oscillation circuit and the distance d between the plates. Capacitive sensors consume less power, cost less, and have an accuracy of 1/200 to 1/500.

(4) Digital type

A digital load cell is a force-electric conversion device that can convert gravity into an electrical signal. It mainly refers to a new type of sensor that integrates resistance strain load cells, electronic amplifiers, analog-to-digital conversion technology, and microprocessors. The development of digital load cell and digital measuring instrument technology has gradually become the new favorite in the field of weighing technology, which is emerging in this field with the advantages of simple and efficient debugging and strong ability to adapt to the field.

(5) Plate ring type

The structure of the plate-ring type load cell has the advantages of clear stress streamline distribution, high output sensitivity, elastic body as a whole, simple structure, stable stress state, and easy processing. At present, the load cell plate type still occupies a large proportion in the sensor production, and the design formula for this kind of structure sensor is not perfect at present.

(6) Vibration type

After the elastic element is stressed, its natural vibration frequency is proportional to the square root of the applied force. By measuring the change of the natural frequency, the force of the measured object acting on the elastic element can be obtained, and then its mass can be obtained. There are two types of vibration sensors: vibrating wire and tuning fork.

(7) Gyro type

The gyro sensor has a fast response time (5 seconds), no hysteresis, good temperature characteristics (3ppm), little vibration effect, and high frequency measurement accuracy, so high resolution and high measurement accuracy can be obtained.

(8) Photoelectric type

Including grating type and code disc type. Photoelectric sensors were mainly used in electromechanical combined scales.