Configuration examples

Number of load cells

The three-point bearing is statically determined and offers a stable setup for any application.

If there are more than three bearing points, the load is likely to be unevenly positioned and, in extreme cases, that two diagonally positioned load cells would have to accommodate the entire load. Three-point bearing should therefore be used wherever possible.

To exclude the possibility of an uneven base, in the case of a bearing with more than three load cells, the prevailing weight distribution on the relevant load cells should be checked and a height adjustment performed if necessary. This can be achieved by using a suitable support to raise the load cells which are carrying less weight.

Force bypass

Force bypasses are produced if a partial load is transferred past the load cells into the base.

There are various reasons for a force bypass (e.g. third-party supports, frictional forces, stresses, etc.).

Force bypasses must be avoided at all costs as they lead to measuring errors.

Rated load of load cells

The rated load is selected under maximum load, taking into account centers of gravity and load distribution on the individual load cells. The rated load is generally selected according to the most heavily loaded load cell. A check also needs to be performed to see if any dynamic forces are superimposed on the static load of the load cell. In this case, the rated load of the load cell must be calculated from the sum of the static load and the peak dynamic force.

The 4 load cells are each loaded with 0.75 t (0.74 tn. l.) in order to ensure even load distribution. During configuration and selection of load cells, approx. 20% should be added to the calculated rated load for safety reasons. This produces a required load cell rated load of 0.75 t × 1.2 = 0.9 t (0.74 tn. l. x 1.2 = 0.89 tn. l.).

It therefore follows that it is necessary to select the next highest rated load level, with 1 t (0.98 tn. l.).