Application 138: How to measure a Turkey Feast

In honour of our American Friends who will be celebrating their "Thanksgiving" Holiday later today. Futek the sensor specialists have come up with an application on how to measure the Turkey Feast using their  Low Profile Load Cells, Junction Box and Hand Held or Panel Mount Display.

Application Summary

Precision scale platforms require the most-accurate load measurements. In celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday, FUTEK utilised four overload-protected low profile load cells to weigh the coveted turkey dinner.

Products in Use

Four Low Profile Load Cells (LRF Family) paired with FUTEK's IAC200 Summing Junction Box alongside the IHH500 or IPM650. View Product Details

How it Works

1. Precision scales require high-accuracy, compression load cells.
2. In the above illustration, FUTEK celebrated the Thanksgiving Holiday by conceptually showing how our LRF Low Profile Load Cells can be used to create a meticulous feedback system.
3. Mounted to all four corners of the platform, these load cells (equipped with overload protection) will measure the weight (load) of whichever "feast" item happens to be placed upon it.
4. As the load fluctuates, FUTEK's IAC200 Summing Junction Box will collect the individual load cell measurements, sending the final weigh-in to either our IHH500 Handheld Display or IPM650 Panel Mount.
5. Watch the IPM650's extraordinary performance and resolution here.

If you like further information on any of the Futek  products and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

Application 312: Valve Torque Testing

Application Summary
Reaction torque sensors are often used as auditing and monitoring tools. This application utilises the TFF Series to measure the reaction torque required by an electric valve actuator/motor to operate a ball, plug, or butterfly valve.

Products in Use
FUTEK’s Reaction Torque Flange-to-Flange Sensor (TFF Series) paired with instrumentation (IAA Series analogue amplifiers, USB Solutions, and the IHH500 handheld display). View Product Details

How it Works
1.  In this application, a Reaction Torque Sensor is mounted between the electric valve actuator and valve housing.
2.  The valve stem passes freely through and does not make contact with the Reaction Torque Sensor.
3.  The TFF Series Reaction Torque Sensor measures the torsion/torque moments required by the valve actuator to operate the valve.
4.  The TFF Series measurements are then outputted to a digital display (IHH500), streamed to a PC using FUTEK’s USB solutions, or amplified with IAA series for using with PLCs and data acquisition devices.
5.  In addition, data can be viewed in real time and logged by operators using FUTEK’s SENSIT™ Test and Measurement Software.

If you like further information on any of the Futek  products used in this application and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact FUTEK directly on +949 465 0900

TFF SERIES

Reaction Torque Flange-to-Flange Sensor

IAA SERIES

Analogue Amplifiers

USB SERIES

External High Resolution/Speed USB

Application 158: Bag Sealer Verification using Subminiature button Load Cells

Application Summary

For sterilized and other sealed pouches and packaging, leaks and partially broken seals are not always apparent. To mitigate seal failure and ensure seal integrity, verification of the heat sealing force is critical, as over/under applied sealing force can cause premature failure of the seal. This application utilises a pair of LLB130 load cells to monitor the force applied to pouch during the pouch sealing process.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s Subminiature Button Load Cell (LLB Series) paired with the IAA series analogue amplifier for feedback into a PLC. View Product Details

How it Works

1. In this application, a pair of Subminiature Button Load Cells is placed so the force exerted on the heater bars by the packaging can be measured.
2. As the pouch moves through the heater bars for sealing, the bars are forced outward, resulting in the load cell buttons measuring the applied force.
3. Utilising two load cells ensures that the heater bars are spread apart evenly and functioning correctly mechanically.
4. The resulting load cell output is then amplified by the IAA series analogue amplifiers for input into the PLC allowing for fault monitoring and pouch seal verification.

For more information on the Futek products used in this application and you reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact FUTEK directly on info@futek.com or +1 949  465 0900

Futek Application 314: Hinge Testing

Application Summary

Torque hinges, friction hinges, and position hinges are all synonyms for a type of hinge that allows two parts to rotate about one another when a load is applied. The hinge then returns to its original position when that load is removed due to its high torsional stiffness. Because of this property, they are used in everything, from cabinetry and car glove boxes to laptops and monitor stands. This wide range of uses requires that these hinges survive and very often exceed the lifetime of the product. To ensure this, fatigue and cycle testing must be performed to verify the hinge lifespan when integrated into the product.

Products in Use

FUTEK’s TFF400 Reaction Torque sensor paired with Instrumentation (USB220, IAA Amplifier). For more in-depth analysis of hinge performance, a TRS605 Rotary Torque Sensor with a built-in encoder paired with a USB520 can be used. View Product Details

 How it Works

1. The TFF400 torque sensor is mounted in line with the motor driving the automated cycling system.
2. Although the TFF400 is a reaction torque sensor, if the overall rotation is less than 360 degrees, you avoid the risk of the cable winding around the sensor.
3. The TFF400 is then mounted to the hub of a wheel. The rotation of the wheel will allow the hinge that is to be tested to open and close.
4. The TFF400 will then record the amount of torque needed to open and close the hinge.
5. If the motor is set in brake mode, the torque sensor will be able to measure the torque spring resistance and torsional stiffness.
6. A TFF400 paired with a USB220 can output the results of testing to a PC for data capture and analysis.
7. Additionally, a TRS605 paired with USB520 will allow for the logging of rotary angle data, enabling a study of torque versus hinge angle.

For more information on the Futek products used in this application and you reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact FUTEK directly on info@futek.com or +1 949  465 0900

Application 157 - Robotic Leg Rehabilitation Device

Application Summary

The loss of walking is certainly devastating to an individual. Gait training and rehabilitation are not modern concepts, but through modern technologies, engineers and researchers are working on developing exoskeletons to help rehabilitate a patient at a more accelerated pace. Critical line tension force measurements are gathered during development of motor-assisted exoskeletons to ensure that proper assistance is given at different stages of treatment.

Products in Use

JR S-Beam Load Cell (LSB200) paired with instrumentation (USB220 and IAA Series analog amplifiers).

How it Works

1. The LSB200 JR. S-Beam load cell is mounted inline of the tension wire.
2. The LSB200 load cell will measure tension forces while patient’s legs while walking/moving.
3. Measurement feedback collected from the LSB200 can be used to diagnose the current status of the patient and track future improvements.
4. These measurements can be streamed from the USB220 up to 4,800 samples per second to a PC for data capture and analysis.
5. Or the the load cell outputs can be amplified to a PLC with the IAA Series analog amplifiers.

Futek Application 156 | Robotic Glove Rehabilitation Device

Application Summary

Bionics is now science fact! Researchers, doctors, and engineers are creating ways to help patients speed up rehabilitation by allowing them to perform more tasks on their own. In the application below, the LSB200 load cell is small enough to mount to the cabling a bionic glove, tasked to measure the forces of the simulated tendons on the hand. From the data measured, a patient may obtain a glove tailored to their assistance level.

Products in Use

JR S-Beam Load Cell (LSB200) paired with instrumentation (USB220 and IAA Series analog amplifiers).

How it Works

1. The LSB200 JR. S-Beam load cell is mounted inline of the assistance actuator and tendon wire.
2. The LSB200 load cell will measure forces required to do basic tasks for rehabilitation treatments.
3. Measurement feedback collected from the LSB200 can be used to diagnose the current status of the patient and track future improvements.
4. These measurements can be streamed from the USB220 up to 4,800 samples per second to a PC for data capture and analysis.
5. Or the the load cell outputs can be amplified to a PLC with the IAA Series analog amplifiers.

Explore What's Possible with FUTEK'S New Application Booklet

FUTEK has put together a PDF Collection of their best and most interesting applications using FUTEK Load Cells, Torque, Pressure and Multi-Axis Sensors.  

So next time, you need to quickly look up how to integrate FUTEK Technology into your most challenging applications reach for this reference guide and give Metromatics a call to supply all your FUTEK Sensor requirements.

Metromatics  I  07 3868 4255  I sales@metromatics.com.au  I www.metromatics.com.au