Different Working Principles and Classifications of Weighing Sensors

1. Strain Gauge Weighing Sensor Strain gauge weighing sensors are currently the most widely used type of weighing sensor. Their working principle is based on the strain effect, meaning that when an elastic body is subjected to external forces, it will deform, causing a change in the resistance value of the strain gauges attached to the elastic body. By measuring this resistance change, the magnitude of the force applied can be calculated, thereby obtaining the weight of the object. Strain gauge weighing sensors have the advantages of simple structure, stable performance, and high measurement accuracy, and are suitable for various medium-precision and medium-capacity measurement scenarios.

2. Photoelectric Weighing Sensor Photoelectric weighing sensors use optical components such as gratings or encoders to convert the weight of objects into photoelectric signals. Among them, the grating sensor converts angular displacement into photoelectric signals through the Moiré fringes formed by the grating, while the code disk sensor receives the optical signals on the code disk via a photodiode and converts them into electrical signals. Photoelectric sensors were primarily used in electromechanical scales, but with the development of technology, their application scope is constantly expanding.

3. Hydraulic Weighing Sensor Hydraulic weighing sensors reflect the weight of objects by measuring changes in hydraulic oil pressure. When the measured object is placed on the weighing platform, the pressure of the hydraulic oil increases accordingly, and the degree of increase is proportional to the weight of the measured object. Hydraulic sensors have a simple structure and a large measurement range, but their accuracy is generally not very high, making them suitable for applications that do not require high precision.

4. Capacitive Weighing Sensor Capacitive weighing sensors use the relationship between the oscillation frequency of the capacitor oscillation circuit and the weight of the measured object for measurement. When the load-bearing platform is loaded with the tested object, the bending of the plate spring causes a change in the distance between the two plates of the capacitor, which in turn causes a change in the oscillation frequency of the circuit. By measuring the change in frequency, the weight of the measured object can be calculated. Capacitive sensors have low power consumption, low cost, and high accuracy, making them suitable for high-precision and low-capacity measurement scenarios.

5. Other Types In addition to the common weighing sensors mentioned above, there are also various types such as electromagnetic force, magnetic pole variation, vibration, and gyroscope sensors. These sensors each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different measurement scenarios and requirements. For example, electromagnetic force sensors have high accuracy but a limited weighing range; vibration sensors reflect weight by measuring changes in the frequency of an object’s vibration.

Application Scenarios Weighing sensors are widely used in various fields. In the realm of electronic scales, they are the core component of devices like electronic scales, floor scales, and hanging scales. In the field of industrial control, they can be used for weighing raw materials, quality control in production processes, and more. In the aerospace field, they can be used for weight measurement, fuel measurement, and other applications related to aircraft. In the field of consumer electronics, they can be used to measure the weight of devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, in the healthcare field, weighing sensors also play an important role.

As an important component of sensor technology, weighing sensors demonstrate the infinite charm of technology with their diverse types and wide range of application scenarios. From strain gauges, photoelectric sensors, to hydraulic and capacitive sensors, each type of weighing sensor carries different technical characteristics and applicable scenarios. With the continuous advancement and innovation of technology, weighing sensors will play a greater role in more fields, bringing more convenience and accuracy to our lives and work. In the future, we have reason to believe that weighing sensor technology will continue to flourish and create a better tomorrow for human society.