Force Measurement in all its variety
Intelligent monitoring of lifting and conveyor technology
- with force and torque sensors
In our technology-driven world, many things are transported and moved that need to reach their new destination safely. Numerous technical aids are available for this purpose in the form of systems and devices with electric drives in which our force transducers or torque sensors are used.
Examples of this are
- Storage and retrieval machines
- Lifting gear
- Lifting platforms
- (Scissor) lift tables
- Lifting jacks
- Lifting platforms
- Work platforms
Examples of electric drives in lifting and conveyor technology
Push chains
A push chain is a mechanical component that functions similarly to a chain, but is specially designed to absorb and transmit compressive forces (i.e. pushing forces) – in contrast to conventional chains, which only transmit tensile forces.
Thrust chains consist of interconnected links that support each other when moving, thereby forming a stable structure that can withstand pressure. They are often used in linear drives to enable forward movement under load.
Screw jack
A screw jack is a mechanical gearbox that is used to convert a rotational movement (rotary movement) into a linear movement (linear motion). Screw jacks are used to lift, lower or position loads.
Electric cylinder
An electric cylinder is a linear actuator that converts electrical energy into a linear movement (i.e. a push or pull stroke). It works in a similar way to a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, but uses an electric motor instead of fluid or compressed air.
Actuators
An actuator is a drive element used in automation or control systems to trigger mechanical movements (rotation or linear movement) based on an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic control signal
(Servo) spindle drives
A (servo) spindle drive is a linear motion drive that converts the rotary motion of a motor – usually a servomotor – into a linear motion via a spindle. This type of drive is often used where precise, dynamic and powerful linear movements are required.
Platform hoists
A platform hoist is a lifting system in which a horizontal load-bearing platform can be raised or lowered to a specific height in a controlled manner by one or more mechanical drives (e.g. spindles, scissors, cylinders).
Monitoring by strain gauge-based sensors
In order to ensure safe operating conditions in the devices and systems listed above in the future, they must be made “smarter”. This can be achieved quickly and reliably by monitoring forces and torques with appropriate strain gauge-based sensors at low cost and without major additional expense. In most cases, force measurement sensors and torque sensors can be easily integrated into the drive chain so that (axial) forces can be measured directly.
Hydraulically and pneumatically operated drive elements are increasingly being replaced by a combination of electric motor and mechanical thrust units. Pressure measurement for monitoring and control is no longer possible in these cases. Strain gauge-based force and torque sensors are the ideal solution here too.
What exactly is being monitored?
The main purpose of recording forces and torques in these applications is to avoid unsafe conditions in systems. This includes, for example, overload conditions that could endanger people or damage machines and systems. At the same time, the systems used in lifting and conveyor technology should be operated as efficiently as possible and in a way that is gentle on materials.
In the case of lift tables and lift platforms where each support point is monitored by force sensors, the load distribution on the platform is often also monitored. If required, the position of the load’s center of gravity can even be calculated from this.
Standard sensor or customized?
Many of our customers use our force or torque sensors in their devices and systems and trust in their reliability. Primosensor offers an extensive portfolio of standard sensors, but just as often develops and manufactures customized solutions that are tailored to the customer and their needs. This makes it easier to integrate the sensors into machines, units and systems.
Customer-specific solutions are part of our core business and mainly concern sensor geometry and dimensions, nominal loads and torques, but also electrical output signals.
Standard output signals of our sensors are:
- 4...20 mA (2- and 3-wire)
- Redundant with 2 x 4...20 mA
- 0...10 V
- +/-10 V
- mV/V
- CANopen
Typical force transducer geometries used in the applications mentioned are:
Ideal force measurement for your project.
Find the right product in our range or book a meeting and we will figure out an approach that suits your needs.
