CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.8 HOW LOAD CELLS OPERATE
Load Cells convert force into a signal. The Defender B-V Series Bases have a Strain Gauge
Load Cell, which is made from a metal beam with holes drilled in it. Strain gauges are affixed to
the beam at the top and bottom to measure changes in the beam due to deflection. The gauges
are bonded very securely to the metal, where they sense very small deflections in the metal
caused by the load being applied to the cell. Because the signal levels are very small, the
circuit is protected from all outside influences such as moisture, physical damage, or electrical
interference.
Attachment
points to
Platform
Strain Gauges
Beam
Figure 1-1. Typical Strain Gauge Load Cell.
Internal PCB
The strain gauges are wired into a Wheatstone Bridge Circuit. (See Figure 1-2.)
–
Strain Gauge
+
Strain Gauge
Force
Strain Gauge
–
Strain Gauge
+
Printed Circuit Board (PCB )
completing Wheatstone
Bridge circuit
Wheatstone Bridge Circuit
Figure 1-2. Downward force on the Platform bends the beam, causing two gauges to stretch
and two to compress in opposition, changing the electrical resistance of the circuit.
At zero load, all strain gauges are unstressed. Weight placed on the Platform bends the
beam, causing two gauges to stretch and two to compress in opposition, changing the
electrical resistance of the circuit.
1.8 HOW LOAD CELLS OPERATE
The difference in the output signal before and after the mass was placed on the platform is
measured, interpreted and displayed.
Ohaus Corporation www.ohaus.com
1-4
Defender™ B & V Series Service Manual
Summary of Contents for Defender D150BL
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Page 12: ...CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Ohaus Corporation www ohaus com 1 6 Defender B V Series Service Manual ...
Page 24: ...CHAPTER 4 TESTING Ohaus Corporation www ohaus com 4 6 Defender B V Series Service Manual ...
Page 30: ...APPENDIX A GLOSSARY Ohaus Corporation www ohaus com A 2 Defender B V Series Service Manual ...
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Page 32: ... 80252594 P N 80252594 A SERVICE MANUAL DEFENDER B V SERIES BASES ...