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Force Measurement Tips Related to Data Acquisition Systems

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A data acquisition (DAQ) system consists of hardware and software components designed to collect, process, and analyze data from various sources and convert it into digital format for further analysis and storage. Based on the growing requirements to gather more data faster, Interface continues to add to our line of data acquisition systems to use with our load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors. These systems are designed for comprehensive force and torque measurement data collection and analysis.

Is more data, with easy integration and high accuracy, your objective? Working with our team of application engineers, we can assist you in pairing the best data acquisition system with your specific transducers. Considering the options, our team of experts offers these five essential bits of advice.

Data Acquisition Systems Tips for Test & Measurement

Select the Right Data Acquisition System

Choosing a data acquisition system compatible with your specific force measurement devices and application requirements is crucial. Consider factors such as sensor type, measurement range, accuracy, resolution, sampling rate (considering your over-sampling requirements), and connectivity options. In addition, the size and form factors can be critical to an application.

Proper Sensor Installation and Calibration

Proper sensor installation and calibration are critical for accurate force measurements. Follow the guidelines for sensor installation, including correct mounting, alignment, and wiring. Ensure that the load cell is calibrated according to established procedures and standards and that the calibration is regularly verified to maintain measurement accuracy. Proper sensor installation and calibration help eliminate potential sources of measurement errors.

Signal Conditioning and Filtering

Signal conditioning and filtering techniques are essential for optimizing the quality of the acquired force data. Signal conditioning involves amplification, offsets (zeroing), filtering, and linearization of the sensor output signal. Filtering techniques, such as anti-aliasing filters, IIR, or FIR, can help reduce noise and unwanted signals, ensuring accurate and reliable force measurements.

Data Validation and Analysis

Implement data validation techniques, such as range checking, outlier detection, and data integrity checks, to identify and correct potential data errors or anomalies. Analyze the acquired data using appropriate statistical and data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights and make informed decisions based on the force measurement data. Be sure to select a force measurement device that is highly accurate and of superior quality.

System Maintenance and Calibration

Regular system maintenance, including sensor calibration and system validation, is crucial for reliable and accurate force measurements. Follow Interface’s recommendations for system maintenance, including sensor cleaning, inspection, and calibration intervals. Regular calibration and validation of the data acquisition system and force measurement devices help ensure the system remains accurate and reliable.

For additional information about Interface data acquisition solutions, watch the Unlocking the Power of DAQ webinar.

Popular Interface Data Acquisition Instruments

BX8 Data Acquisition Series

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure

BX8-HD15 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Discreet Sensors with Lab Enclosure

BX8-HD44 BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System for Multi-Axis Sensors with Lab Enclosure

Features & Benefits

  • 8-Channel synchronized sampling + TWO encoder/pulse channels
  • Strain gage, mV/V, ±10VDC, and PT1000 temperature inputs
  • Internal calculation of axis load values for 6-axis sensors
  • Active scaling of analog outputs according to internal calculations
  • ±5V, ±10V, 4-20mA, and 0-20 mA outputs
  • 48K samples/sec/channel, 24-bit internal resolution
  • USB connection to PC, Includes graphing and logging software
  • Excitation sense
  • Strain gage Full, 1/2, and 1/4 bridge, including bridge completion
  • TEDS compatible, ZERO button for 8-channel simultaneous tare, 16 digital I/O
  • Galvanic isolation: Analog input, analog output, digital I/O, USB
  • EtherCAT and CANbus/CANopen options
  • Enclosure Options

BSC4 Digital DAQ Model

BSC4D Multi-Channel Digital PC Interface and Data Acquisition Instrument

Features & Benefits

  • USB outputs
  • Four independent channels
  • For use with model 3AXX series 3-axis load cells
  • It can be used with up to any four standard load cells (with mV/V output)
  • mV/V, +/-5V, +/-10V, PT1000
  • Strain gage quarter/half and full bridges
  • 120, 350 & 1000 Ohm bridge completion
  • Limit frequency 450 Hz
  • Eight digital inputs/outputs

Use Cases for Data Acquisition Systems in Test & Measurement

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback using DAQ System

A biomechanical medical company wants to test its robotic arm’s force, torque, and tactile feedback for invasive surgery. The robotic arm mirrors the surgeon’s movements during surgery, and all haptic force feedback must be measured to ensure safety during invasive surgery. Several of Interface’s force and torque measurement products have been used on this robotic arm, including the ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell, SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell, and the MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. Force results are collected when connected to the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition and Amplifier and viewed when attached to the laptop.

Material Tensile Testing using Data Acquisition Instrumentation

A customer wants to conduct a tensile force test on different samples and materials until failure. Materials include plastic, steel, or woven fabric. They want to measure tensile strength, yield strength, and yield stress. Interface’s 1200 Standard Precision LowProfile™ Load Cell is installed into the customer’s test frame. The tensile test is conducted, and force results captured by the load cell and extensometer are synced. These results can be displayed on a PC with supplied software.

Planetary Sample Collecting

As space exploration continues to grow and evolve, more robotic systems are created to collect samples of objects and materials on planetary surfaces. Robotic arms with sampling tools must be tested for scooping, drilling, and collecting samples. Interface’s Model 6A40 6-Axis Load Cell can be installed between the flange and the sample collecting tool. When connected to the BX8-HD44 Data Acquisition, the customer can receive force and torque measurements when connected to their control system using BlueDAQ software. Interface’s 6A40-6 Axis Load Cell could measure all forces and torques (Fx, Fʏ, Fz, Mx, Mʏ, Mz.) The BXB-HD44 Data Acquisition could log, display, and graph measurements while sending scaled analog output signals for these axes to the customer’s robot control system.

Learn more about your DAQ system options using Interface’s Data AQ Packs Guide.

Miniature Torque Transducers 101

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The demands for miniature force and torque measurement solutions are on the rise. Modernization of products along with complex, compact products requires small and robust test and measurement solutions.

Miniature torque transducers are small sensors that measure torque, or rotational force, in mechanical systems. They are used to monitor and control the torque output of motors, gears, and other rotating components. These mini transducers come in various sizes and designs, ranging from simple rotary sensors to complex multi-axis sensors. The range of options provide precise, real-time measurements for all types of torque measurement applications.

COMMON USE CASES FOR MINIATURE TORQUE TRANSDUCERS

  • Quality control: In many manufacturing and smart factory processes, miniature torque transducers can provide real-time measurements of the torque being applied by production machines and equipment, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed in instantly to improve product quality.
  • Performance optimization: By measuring the torque output of a motor or other rotating component, a miniature torque transducer can optimize performance, resulting in improved efficiency, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance requirements.
  • Safety: In certain applications, it is important to monitor the torque being applied to ensure that it does not exceed a certain limit. This is particularly important in safety-critical applications, where excessive torque can lead to equipment failure and potential harm to people and property.
  • Research and development: Miniature torque transducers assist in testing and validating new products, processes, and technologies. By providing accurate, real-time measurements of torque, these sensors can help to improve product design and performance.

Miniature torque transducers are being used in an increasing number of applications, including in the production and design of automotive and vehicle components, for use with machines and lab equipment, in robotics and industrial automation monitoring, R&D of medical devices, and in testing viability, durability and safety of consumer products. Interface’s event, Taking Measure of Miniature Load Cells, explores the topic of using miniature measure devices.

Interface continues to add new types of miniature torque transducers to our expanding line of these sensor types. In fact, Interface has multiple U.S. patents for our MRT products and our proprietary overload protection designs.

INTERFACE MINIATURE TORQUE TRANSDUCERS

Proven by many Interface customers, our miniature torque transducers can provide valuable and accurate measurement data for a wide range of use cases and applications, making them an important device for engineers across all types of industries.

Robotic Surgery Force Feedback Solution Using Mini Torque Transducers

A biomechanical medical device company needs to test the force, torque, and tactile feedback from their robotic arm used for invasive surgery. A number of Interface’s miniature force and torque measurement products are used on this robotic arm. These include the ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell, SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell, and the MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. Force results can be collected when connected to the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition and Amplifier, and viewed when attached to the a laptop. Read more about the results here.

Furthermore, the demand for miniature sensors is also being driven by the need for more cost-effective sensing solutions. With the cost of miniaturization decreasing, more and more companies are looking to incorporate miniature sensors into their products to gain a competitive advantage.

The trend towards miniaturization is expected to continue in the coming years, which will likely lead to further growth in the demand for miniature sensors including Interface’s miniature torque transducers.

Additional Resources

Anniversary of Interface Miniature Torque Transducers

Choosing the Right Torque Transducer

Flange Style Load Cells and Torque Transducers 101

Insights in Torque Testing Featured in Quality Magazine

 

 

Anniversary of Interface Miniature Torque Transducers

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Interface received two patents for ‘Load Cell For Monitoring Torsion and Having Overload Protection’ for intellectual property used in the invention and manufacturing of Interface’s miniature rotary torque transducers.

Patent US 8,161,828 B1 was assigned to Interface based on submissions from Interface engineers and force measurement experts LaVar Clegg and Lawrence Burrow. The filing is based on IP used in the product designs for the Interface MRTP Miniature Overload protected flange style reaction torque transducer and the MRT2P Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer. The second patent, US 8,904,883 B2, was awarded to years later for the same products.

Interface offers more than 50 different types of reaction and rotary torque transducers models with varying capacities, design features and dimensions. Our transducers are precision-machined and use our proprietary strain gages for accuracy in measurement. Interface’s miniature torque transducers are popular for their size, easy installation, durability, quality, and accuracy.

MRT2 and MRT2P Patents

Interface’s patented MRT2 Miniature Reaction Torque Transducer flange-type design is available in 44.3 lbf-in to 443 lbf-in (5 Nm to 50 Nm) capacities. It is small in size, 2.75 x 2.25 inches, which offers easy installation. With a low capacity, compact design it provides excellent linearity and repeatability. This Interface product uses our proprietary temperature compensated strain gages. It offers low deflection and high torsional stiffness, which makes it a suitable selection for reciprocating measurements. We currently offer three standard models 10 Nm Capacity, 20 Nm and 50 Nm). Modified and custom options are available.

The Interface MRT2P Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer features 3X safe overload in 1.77 to 17.7 lbf-in (0.2 Nm and 2 Nm) capacities. The patented flange design and dimensions make it easy to mount. The U.S. made product uses proprietary Interface temperature compensated strain gages. The MRT2P has low deflection and high torsional stiffness. The MRT2P is also preferred for reciprocating measurements.

Interface has offered our MRT miniature reaction torque transducers for more than 20 years. Additional Interface miniature torque transducer models available include:

Robotic Surgical Arm Application Using Miniature Reaction Torque Transducers

The compact design of the MRT series makes this an ideal product for embedding into components or products. As defined in the application note, Robotic Surgery Force Feedback, Interface’s MRTP Miniature Overload Protected Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer, along with our ConvexBT Load Button Load Cell and SMTM Micro S-Type Load Cell are utilized for measuring forces in a surgical robotic arm. The force measurement output is transmitted to the BX8 8-Channel Data Acquisition and Amplifier to provide real-time feedback during the design and testing of this advanced medical device. Read more about robotic surgery applications here.

Interface has a long history of awards and patents. Richard F. Caris, founder of Interface first filed for the patent in 1979, specifically for a weighing apparatus with overload protection for off-center loading. Caris received patents in 1981 and 1983 for these load cell inventions. Since these initial filings, Interface has received U.S. Patents for Axial Force Pressure Transducer, which is our proprietary AxialTQ product, and the Load Washer (Crockett). We have also received notification of allowance for the 2020 filing for a Wireless Load Cell Monitoring.

ADDITIONAL TORQUE RESOURCES

Flange Style Load Cells and Torque Transducers

Interface Sensors Used for Development and Testing of Surgical Robotics

Making Products Smarter with Interface OEM Solutions

Torque Measurement Primer

Choosing the Right Torque Transducer