1. Presentation on
“Review of Multi-stage Strain gauge
based load cell”
Presented By
Shreyas Suresh Pandit
Under the guidance of
Prof. V. A. Kamble
4/26/2018 1
3. Abstract
• A load cell is a transducer which converts force of the application
being used, into a measurable electrical output. Although there are
many varieties of load cells, strain gage based load cells are the
most commonly used type.
• Strain gauge based load cell consist of arrangement on load cell in
such a manner so that it can give optimal sensitive output. Typically,
a load cell consists of four strain gauges in a Wheatstone bridge
configuration, while one strain gauge (quarter Bridge) or two strain
gauges (half bridge) are also available. Traditionally used linear load
cell have problem of limited resolution, and using multiple load
cells in one device is bulky and expensive.
• The paper presents, review of types of load cells and new
techniques used in designing and optimizing it, also information is
given on Multi-capacity and Non-linear load cells.
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4. What is Strain gauge based load cell ? -
Introduction
• Strain gauge:- Sensing element that provides an
electrical output (voltage) proportional to applied
load.
Material -constantan alloys and Karma alloys
• Load cell:- a substrate on which strain gauge is
pasted for efficiently increasing output.
Material - heat treated aluminum alloys, hardened
stainless steels, or beryllium, copper alloys
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5. Introduction
4/26/2018 5
Load applied to
substrate
Strain gauge’s
compression or
tension
Change in
resistance in
Wheatstone
bridge circuit
Output in
voltage or
directly
converted to
strain
7. Strain gauge based load cell - Applications
• Automotive industry
• Aerospace industry
• Research and
development
• Civil engineering field
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FUTEK
sensors
8. Design Considerations For Load Cells
• Loading direction
– compression or tension
– universal load cells
• Size and Capacity
– ease of use
– safe handling
– loading mounting accessories
• Non-linearity
– material, geometric, and Wheatstone bridge
nonlinearities
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9. Design Considerations For Load Cells
• Characteristics of elastic element
– may be a column or tension bar of circular, square
or octagonal cross section and may be either solid
or hollow, ring
– Material having…. low hysteresis, low creep and
repeatability
• Loading nature static or dynamic
– static or dynamic
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10. New Methods Of Designing Load Cell –
Multi range load cell
• Two ranges
• first range of light weight
loading, (no contact)
• second range of light weight
loading, (when contact
happens and proceeds)
• easy distinguishing light load
and heavy load
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11. Non-linear load cell
• Load cell works as more
sensitive (low stiffness) at
low load less sensitive
(more stiffness) at high
load.
• higher resolution for
smaller forces
• Adding stiffness at high
load avoids overstraining
of load cell.
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12. Multi capacity load cells
• Adding harder elastic
element in series with
increasing stiffness.
• Three load capacities
– 5KN, 10KN and 15KN
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13. Optimization methods - Shape
optimization using FEA tools
• changing the physical dimensions
• design constraints
• Maximize or minimize certain output variable
• Helps to explore design options by varying,
observing until the best and most economical
design is found.
• Verifications by finite element analysis tools.
• Show responses and ensures that design chosen
is right.
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14. DoE optimization using Taguchi method
with GRA technique
• signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio
– nominal-the-best,
– larger-the-better,
– and smaller-the-better.
• Taguchi method optimizes single response
only.
• To optimize multiple responses Grey relational
analysis (GRA) is used.
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15. Conclusion
1. Different types of load cells are used according to application
also considerations essential for designing load cell are
presented.
2. New methods of designing load cell as multi staging, Non
linear and multi capacity load cells have found useful in some
particular applications.
3. Multi objective optimization using Taguchi method with GRA
technique can be implemented when there is need to
minimize certain variable and at the same time maximize
another one.
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16. References
1. The information centre for sensors and data system.
http://www.sensorland.com/HowPage005.html.
2. Ahmad Qandil., Adnan I. O. Zaid., “Considerations in the Design and
Manufacturing of load cell for Measuring Dynamic Compressive load”,
IEEE publications ,2015.
3. How to select a load cell, [online] Available:
http://www.lcmsystems.ro/res/How%20to%20select%20
a%20load%20cell%20(English).pdf.
4. Seif. M. Osman., Ebtisam H. Hasan., H. M. El-Hakeem., R.M.Rashad and
F. Kouta., “Conceptual design of multicapacity load cell”, 16th
International Congress of Metrology, page 2-3.
5. Joseph H.Antkowiat., Joseph J. Rencis., “Geometric nonlinearities in
design of force transducers”,Advances in Engineering Software Elesvier
publications pp 12-15.
6. Yen-Shuo CHANG., Tshen-Chan LIN., “An Optimal Gshaped Load Cell for
Two range Loading”, Asian Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Association, EAEF 6(4) : page 172-176.
7. Fan-She Lin., Tshen-Chan Lin., “Design of a G-shaped load cell for two
range weighing application”, International Agricultural Engineering
Journal pp 80-84.
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17. References
8. Jocelyn M. Kluger., Themistoklis P. Sapsis., Alexander H. Slocum., “A high-
resolution and large force-range load cell by means of nonlinear cantilever
beams”,Elsevier publications,Precision Engineering 43 (2016),241-256.
9. Jocelyn M. Kluger.,Themistoklis P. Sapsis., Alexander H. Slocum., “Ring-based
stiffening flexure applied as a loadcell with high resolution and large force
range”, MIT press journals.
10. Seif. M. Osman., R.Kumme.,H. M. El-Hakeem., F.Löffler., Ebtisam H.
Hasan.,R.M.Rashad., F. Kouta., “Force Transducer With Different Capacities” ,XXI
IMEKO World Congress “Measurement in Research and Industry” August 30 -
September 4, 2015, Prague, Czech Republic
11. Mr. S. M. Ghanvat., Prof. H. G. Patil., “Shape Optimization of ‘S’ Type Load Cell
Using Finite Element Method” International Journal of Engineering Innovation &
Research, Volume 1, Issue 3, 310-315.
12. Rakesh Kolhapure., VasudevShinde., Vijay Kamble., “Geometrical optimization of
strain gauge force transducer using GRA method”, Elsevier publications,
Measurement 101 (2017),111-117
13. M. Durairaj., D. Sudharsun., N. Swamynathan.,“Analysis of Process Parameters in
Wire EDM with Stainless Steel using Single Objective Taguchi Method and Multi
Objective Grey Relational Grade”, Elsevier publications, International Conference
On DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING, IConD 2013, page 869-875.
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