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Bluetooth Telemetry 101

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that allows devices to connect and exchange data over short distances without cables. It’s commonly used to connect peripherals to a mobile device or computer.

In the world of force measurement, wireless and Bluetooth capabilities add a new dimension to the testing and measuring of various products across industries. Today, the cableless capabilities provide the same measurement accuracy while adding convenience for the user when wires that once got in the way can be eliminated. It has also opened the possibility of testing applications that previously could not be tested due to wires inhibiting the test.

A Bluetooth telemetry system is a wireless system that uses Bluetooth technology to remotely transmit data from sensors or other devices to a receiving device, typically a smartphone or tablet. A system typically includes:

  • Bluetooth-enabled sensors gather the data you want to monitor, including force, torque, and weight.
  • Bluetooth transmitters convert the sensor data into a format suitable for wireless transmission and send it using Bluetooth.
  • Receiving devices are phones, tablets, displays, or instruments that receive and reveal the transmitter’s data through a dedicated app.

The essential advantage of a Bluetooth telemetry system is its wireless feature, eliminating the need for cables and offering greater data collection flexibility, particularly when running wires might be impractical or cumbersome. Read more in Interface Bluetooth Telemetry System Provides Measurements Viewable on Mobile Platforms.

Interface Bluetooth Devices

BSC4D-BT Portable 4-channel Bluetooth Data Logger

4850 Battery Powered Bluetooth Weight Indicator

BX6-BT Portable 6-Channel High-Speed Bluetooth Data Logger

BX6-BT-OEM Portable 6-Channel High-Speed Bluetooth Data Logger

Interface Bluetooth Telemetry System

The Interface Bluetooth® Telemetry System (BTS) transmits high-quality data from load cells to single and multiple devices. It offers numerous benefits, including high accuracy, high resolution, IP-rated enclosures, and multiple configuration options. The quality of Interface load cell performance is fully realized by utilizing the convenience of this system, which acts as a data bridge between the load cell and a display device.

The premium advantage of the Interface Bluetooth Telemetry System, above the long battery life, low cost, and mobile app visualization resources, is its ability to connect directly to mobile devices to collect data without an internet connection. This allows engineers to complete field testing in remote locations or hard-to-access areas.

Free iOS and Android apps are available for download and enable users to create dashboards with varying degrees of detail based on application requirements. The BTS output can be visualized on phones and tablets using digital displays, gages, tanks, and charts.

The BTS Bluetooth® Telemetry System features high measurement resolution, which produces a noise-free resolution of 1 in 92,000 counts (16.5 bit) when used with a 3mV/V sensor and 1 in 184,000 counts (17.5 bit) when used with a 6mV/V sensor. The system also allows for advert format, encoding, and details on connected services to facilitate simple device integration within custom apps for OEM applications. BTS can connect 12 sensors to a single or multiple mobile devices. Watch the video BTS Bluetooth® Telemetry System Set Up to learn more.

Bluetooth Telemetry System Applications

Bluetooth Show Booth Monitoring

Displays are more complex to showcase small and large products worldwide at exhibitions. This customer needed a durable and easy installation for an automotive tradeshow. The cars need to be displayed in the best light regarding automotive showcases. To solve this, a wireless monitoring system was suggested to monitor the different components attached to the truss above the show booth, holding light fixtures and video screens. Interface installed multiple ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackles connected to Bluetooth® Telemetry System to the truss above the auto show booth. The load shackles force load data was wirelessly transmitted directly to the customer’s phone through the Bluetooth Mobile App. The wireless load shackles and BTS Bluetooth® Telemetry System were the perfect systems to monitor the truss load above the auto show booth. Read more here.

Equine Bridle Tension System

A customer in the equine industry needed to quantify the so-called “poll pressure” of a bridle system for a horse. Bits designed to give strong poll pressure using simple pulley lever principles show a much-attenuated transfer of the rein tension through the bit to the poll. The attenuation is readily understood when the equine mouth is recognized as a “floating” fulcrum degrading an ideal lever, otherwise required for a fixed pivot point. Interface suggested a BTS Equine Bridle Tension System, with two SMA Miniature S-Type Load Cells in both the line of the reins and that of the cheekpiece on one side of the horse, were used to study the dynamic response of the cheekpiece tension to rein tension in the ridden horse.

Results were transmitted by the BTS-AM-1 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Strain Bridge Transmitter Module to the BTS Toolkit Mobile App and displayed on a mobile device. The fundamental operation of the bits could be discovered on the laboratory bench. The equine mouth is expected to provide the fulcrum. Within the real experimental system comprising the rider’s hands, the horse’s mouth, and the bit, the elasticity of the equine mouth provides a “floating” fulcrum and a potential source of time-lag and decoherence between the dynamic rein and cheekpiece tensions. Read more here.

WTS-BTS-Brochure-1

Measurement Solutions for Harnessing Aquaculture Innovation

Aquaculture is pivotal in meeting the escalating global demand for seafood while addressing environmental concerns and wild stock limitations.  As this maritime industry burgeons growth for all edible aquatic organisms, regardless of whether they inhabit freshwater or saltwater environments, innovative solutions become imperative for sustainable development.

Interface offers sensor-based products that, by design, can aid in advancements, research, and modernizing various facets of aquaculture. Interface load cells are used in applications that regulate harsh maritime situations, such as fish farm mooring lines, salmon cage monitoring, hatcheries and feed management structures, and scales used in real-time seafood weighing.

With an estimated worth of $200B, the aquaculture industry is a significant global blue economy force and a crucial source of sustenance worldwide. Interface recognizes the pressing need for precise measurement solutions to navigate the sector’s challenges and bolster its growth.

Interface’s collection of submersibles, subsea and ruggedized load cells, load pins, tension links, and instrumentation is meticulously designed to cater to diverse applications, including aquaculture applications. These cutting-edge tools empower aqua culturists to make informed decisions and drive efficiencies.

Interface’s load cells can wirelessly transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities and still be able to relay information to those at the surface level.

Aquaculture Applications Leveraging Interface Products

Aquaculture aims to restore habitats and wild stocks and rebuild endangered species and populations. It also aims to cultivate aquatic plants for food, pharmaceuticals, and other purposes.  Aquaculture depends on critical line monitoring at sea. Mooring lines use Interface wireless load cells for tension monitoring in anchor lines. The sensor data enhances structural safety integrity, especially in adverse weather.

Commercial Fishing Operations

A commercial fishing operation wants to measure the force tension of the wire fishing rope connected to the fishing cage or net when their vessel goes to catch. They want to ensure the wire rope is strong and safe enough to hold the maximum capacity of fish caught in the cage or net. Interface’s WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cells are attached between the end of the cable and the end that hooks onto the fishing net. This tension link measures the forces of the full net of fish and heavy loads at maximum capacities. The data is transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters. You can see the full application here: Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing.

Here are some additional application highlights that use different load cells and instrumentation to support success in aquaculture.

  • Aquaculture Structural Testing: The integrity of aquatic structures, including nets, cages, tanks, large farms, and large civil engineering projects, use precise force measurement from load cells.
  • Cleaning Systems and Equipment: Sensors, such as miniature stainless steel load cells, can assist in optimizing cleaning processes while safeguarding delicate fish nets. Ensuring effective biofouling removal without damaging fish nets is an important process that requires quality measurement controls.
  • Biomass Research: Estimating fish stock biomass to inform feed management and harvest predictions is an ongoing measurement requirement. Accurate weight measurement using sensor technologies aids in managing feed costs and predicting harvest yields.
  • Harvesting and Food Production: Ensuring precise feeding schedules in aquaponic systems can depend on force measurement solutions. Wireless load cells and instrumentation can enhance efficiency and precision in aquaculture operations.
  • Feeder System Monitoring: Tracking feed dispensation for optimal feeding effectiveness and monitoring fish health is another way to utilize load cell devices. Balancing nutrient delivery for sustainable aquaponic systems requires quality measurement tools. These devices leverage data for proactive health management and stock optimization in fresh and saltwater farms.
  • Scales: Providing accurate weight measurement in the water and on docks for various aquaculture applications.
  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Tank Monitoring: Facilitating biomass estimation and growth monitoring. Using load cell technology for precise weight measurement for successful stock management.
  • Pump Monitoring: Force measurement devices provide great tools for optimizing pump performance and detecting anomalies by promptly detecting pump malfunctions or blockages.
  • Aquaponics: Monitoring feed distribution and nutrient balance for sustainable cultivation needs good sensor-based technologies to sustain harsh environments.
  • Environmental Remediation: Addressing environmental concerns through data-driven approaches is another application use case for load cells.

Interface’s force measurement solutions emerge as indispensable tools in propelling the aquaculture industry towards sustainability and efficiency. Aquaculture engineers, researchers, and managers can navigate challenges, optimize operations, and pave the way for a thriving future by harnessing the power of precision measurement.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

Maritime Solutions

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

Load Cells Elevate Gantry Crane Performance

Interface provides a variety of measurement solutions for gantry crane applications. Load cells aren’t just an upgrade but a game-changer for gantry crane operations.

A gantry crane is an overhead crane with a horizontal beam supported by two legs traveling along a fixed track or wheels. They are used for lifting and moving heavy objects in various industrial settings, such as warehouses, shipyards, container yards, and construction sites.

Key features of gantry cranes include:

  • Mobility: Unlike bridge cranes, fixed to a runway system, gantry cranes can move freely within their designated area. This makes them more versatile and suitable for outdoor applications.
  • Lifting capacity: Gantry cranes can be designed to lift a wide range of weights, from a few to hundreds of tons.
  • Portability: Some gantry cranes are portable and can be easily moved from one location to another.
  • Versatility: Gantry cranes can be equipped with various attachments, such as hooks, magnets, and buckets, to handle a wide range of materials.

Benefits of Using Force Measurement Solutions with Gantry Cranes

Load cells, load pins, tension links, wireless telemetry systems, and instrumentation devices from Interface are valuable to makers and users of gantry cranes.  These vital measurement solutions offer several safe and efficient operation benefits:

Overload Prevention

  • Safety: The biggest reason is preventing crane overload. Exceeding the crane’s capacity can lead to catastrophic consequences, including equipment damage, structural failure, injuries, and even fatalities. Force measurement devices, often in the form of load cells or tension links, directly measure the weight of the lifted object, ensuring it stays within safe limits.
  • Alerts and Alarm Settings: Many devices paired with specific instruments can trigger audible or visual alarms if the load approaches the limit, giving the operator time to adjust. Some advanced systems automatically shut down the lifting operation to prevent potential overload.

Improved Efficiency and Accuracy

  • Optimal load handling: Knowing the exact weight of the load allows operators to position it precisely and efficiently. This is crucial for tasks like loading and unloading containers or placing heavy machinery with minimal risk of damage.
  • Reduced energy consumption: By lifting only the necessary weight, you optimize energy usage by avoiding unnecessary strain on the crane’s motors and systems.

Maintenance and Inspection

  • Monitoring crane health: Force measurement data can be used to track crane performance over time and identify potential issues early on. This helps with preventive maintenance and ensures the crane stays in top working condition.
  • Compliance with regulations: Many workplaces have regulations requiring the monitoring of crane loads for safety reasons. Force measurement devices provide accurate data to demonstrate compliance.

Gantry Crane Applications

Tension monitoring in cable cranes: For cranes using cables instead of hydraulics, tension links measure cable tension, safeguarding against cable stress and potential breaks.

Center of gravity determination: In complex lifts with unevenly distributed weight, measuring forces at different points helps determine the load’s center of gravity, which is crucial for safe lifting and maneuvering.

Retrofitting existing cranes for safety: Crane-safe load monitoring systems are vital to crane safety. Load pins for accurate measurement are an excellent way to modernize gantry cranes. Replacing existing load-bearing pins in the crane header block to sense the load, detect the moment of lifting a load, and monitor the cranes’ maximum safe load limit.

Weighing within winch assembly: Load pins are used to measure the weight of aluminum and steel rolls. The custom load pin was designed to fit within the winch assembly, with an anti-rotation bracket to ensure correct positioning.  We also supplied a large digit wall-mounted display to enable them to see resulting loads easily.

Safety measurement system:  If the lifting load exceeds the safe lifting load, audible or visual alarms can be triggered, or if part of a control system, that action will automatically stop the lift. Additionally, having a real-time display of the lifted load allows crane operators to lift the maximum allowable amount, improving productivity by reducing the number of lifts required to complete a task.

To improve operational efficiency and safety, a measurement system is an excellent tool that can alert the crane operator to imminent excess lifting conditions that may cause harm to operators and equipment. Overall, force measurement devices are essential for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of gantry cranes, making them a valuable investment for any lifting operation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Load Pins, Tension Links, & Shackles

Gantry Crane Weighing

A Great Force for Crane and Hoist Solutions

Interface Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar Recap

Seaside Ports are Optimizing Efficiency and Safety Using Interface Sensor Technologies

Jib Crane Tension Monitoring

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

Crane Block Safety Animated Application Note

 

A Great Force for Crane and Hoist Solutions

In June 2023, Interface announced our acquisition of UK-based LCM Systems, broadening our international reach, significantly improving our capacity, and adding critical expertise to Interface for specialized measurement solutions designed for cranes and hoist equipment.

Interface and LCM offer our customers robust and diverse measurement devices for hoisting, winching, lifting, subsea, infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing applications.

The LCM-made products in Interface’s 35,000-plus catalog include Load Pins, Tension Links, and Shackles. This includes options for standard products, engineered-to-order, completely custom, ATEX, submersibles, and wireless solutions.

Sample of Interface Load Pins, Tension Links, and Shackles

 

ILMP Stainless Steel Load Monitoring Load Pin

LP Stainless Steel Load Pin

WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin

ITL Tension Link Load Cell

WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell

WTSATL Lightweight Aluminum Wireless Tension Link

WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link

ISHK-B Bow Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle

ISHK-D ‘D’ Type Crosby™ Cabled Load Shackle

WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle

WTSSHK-B-HL Wireless Bow Load Shackle

WTSSHK-B-JR Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle

WTSSHK-D Wireless Crosby™ Load Shackle

TIP:  Use the Interface Load Pin Configuration Submission to get started in defining your exact pin requirements.

Recently, Ken Bishop, Interace’s senior director of custom solutions, had the opportunity to discuss our acquisition of LCM Systems with Overhead Crane and Hoist (OCH) magazine, specifically focusing on our industry-leading lineup of solutions for this industry courtesy of our expert team at LCM. Included below is a brief preview of the article. To read it thoroughly, please visit OCH’s digital magazine Interface Reveals Motivation Behind Acquisition of Long-Time Partner LCM SystemsHoist Magazine’s Overhead Crane and Hoist Winter 2023.

Highlights from the article in Overhead and Hoist Feature Article

In a move that should provide synergistic growth opportunities for both companies, Interface Inc., a US-based leader in force measurement product technology, design, and manufacturing, has recently acquired UK-based LCM Systems – a company it had already partnered with for the past ten years. In fact, Interface has been LCM’s exclusive distributor in the US market since 2018.

“Interface is a very diverse,” Ken Bishop, Interface’s senior director of custom solutions, declared, noting that it has a very strong reputation for producing high-quality load cells, load pins, load shackles, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, and related measurement solutions for a variety of market sectors including aerospace, automotive, energy, factory automation, and subsea marine. “Given our ability to make high-precision products that our customers can count on, we have been able to grow our business over the years.”

Bishop said it was when certain new customer requirements emerged, for which Interface didn’t have other options to meet, that it decided to reach out to LCM: “At first, such opportunities came up now and then, but over time, we started to do more business with them as it became more and more apparent that there was a nice fit between the products and services that LCM offers and those offered by Interface.”

LCM was founded in 1984 to provide the yachting industry with precision load cell and readout systems but has expanded to also provide those products, as well as engineering and design services, to such other market sectors as energy, civil engineering, maritime, aerospace, heavy lifting and process engineering, including load cell products suitable for Zone 1 and 2 hazardous area applications…read more.

Load pin, Tension link, and Load Shackle App Note Catalog

New Additions to LCM Systems

In June 2023, Interface announced the acquisition of LCM Systems, the maker of specialized load measurement and instrumentation systems. We want to recognize LCM’s newest leaders, Jeff Williams, managing director, and Rob Cooch, production and operations manager, along with key team member Chloé Baile, who is LCM’s new strategic sales engineer.

LCM Systems has seen significant growth across all levels of its business over the past few years. The manufacturer of Interface’s load pins, load shackles, and various custom solutions reports a positive development in terms of exceeding 2023 goals before the year-end. In keeping up with the pace of growth, LCM has invested in key talent to improve production and calibration resources.

Interface CEO Greg Adams notes, “LCM Systems is an outstanding addition to Interface as demonstrated by the growth in 2023, which exceeds our target and is further evidence of the outstanding team, product, and service offerings in high demand. We are extremely confident in the additions of Jeff, Rob, and Chloé to LCM System and their experience in serving as key catalysts to the expansion in business, high-quality measurement solutions, and additional new markets and customers.”

The people below represent key leadership, additions to the team, and expanding roles. Read the full news update here.

Jeff Williams, Managing Director, LCM Systems

Jeff joined Interface in September 2023 and has taken on the role of managing director, where he is responsible for sales, operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain. He has more than 35 years in the electronics and engineering space, and before joining LCM, he served for 10 years as group head of engineering at Flintec. Jeff also spent 24 years in engineering and management roles at Hitachi Home Electronics & Panasonic AVC Design Centre. He offers extensive experience and strategic skills essential to expanding LCM and fulfilling growing customer requests and orders.

Rob Cooch, Production and Operations Manager, LCM Systems

Rob joined LCM in October 2023 as production and operations manager. He is responsible for overseeing the production process and coordinating all activities, day-to-day scheduling of production, and managing the department consisting of eight operators across two areas. Before joining LCM, Rob was a member of a cross-functional team looking at NVA, which significantly reduced build time and manufacturing costs through various lean changes in production. Rob’s role is key in helping LCM fulfill the demands for its products with a highly skilled operations team.

Chloé Baile, Strategic Sales Engineer, LCM Systems

Chloé joined LCM in October 2023 as a strategic sales engineer. Her responsibilities in this role include building effective, strong relationships with key decision-makers of customer accounts and retaining and nurturing business growth. She liaises between customers and LCMs engineering design experts to create optimum solutions. Before joining LCM, her experience was predominantly in the automotive industry. She led engineering business development and was project manager for special Tier 1 Automotive, F1, and Motorsport projects, including Classic Heritage for Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus, and Jaguar Land Rover. She is working closely with Interface and LCM customers to grow the business.

Another key appointment at LCM this year is Mark Capodici, who recently joined the LCM Calibration Department full-time as a calibration technician. This critical addition to the team dramatically increases the company’s calibration resources, vital to maintaining LCM’s ability to dispatch products on time and in a timescale that fits customer expectations. Capodici joined LCM Systems three years ago, starting as a supply chain and fulfillment assistant responsible for general store activities, kitting of production materials, and processing and inspection. Capodici sees his role change as a great opportunity to progress within the company and broaden his knowledge and skill set.

“LCM Systems continues to invest in additional personnel and equipment to meet the growing demand, as evidenced in our new members and recent promotions,” said Jeff Williams. “We are committed to providing our customers outstanding service and ensuring orders are fulfilled expeditiously, maintaining our high standards, quality, and accuracy of every product we manufacture.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Uses Cases for Load Pins

Innovative Interface Load Pin Applications

Load Pin Configuration Submission

Interface Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar Recap

Load Pins 101

Load Pins, Tension Links, and Shackles

Load Pin Brochure Pages

 

Digging Into Interface Mining Industry Solutions

Sensors are integral to ensuring the safety of mines, including underground, open surface, placer, dredging, highwall, mountaintop, and in-situ. However, one of the most valuable uses for Interface sensor technologies is assuring that equipment is adequately tested, controlled, and monitored to ensure safe operations.

The mining industry is wrought with hazards and extreme environments that can put a job site at risk and, more critically, endanger miners’ lives. Mining equipment and tools manufacturers turn to Interface for various transducers designed for use in unique and hazardous environments. These measurement instruments are essential in meeting the rising safety requirements of the mining industry and significantly improve the quality and reliability of mining equipment.

Interface force and torque measurement products help to efficiently and safely extract and process metals, gemstones, limestone, chalk, coal, oil shale, dimension stone, rock salt, potash, gravel, and clay.

Interface products are essential for designing, testing, and utilizing mining equipment, machines, components, and systems. Our load cells, instrumentation, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, load shackles, and tension links are used in tools and equipment for the mining industry.

The data gathered from Interface measurement solutions ultimately helps monitor the mine’s structural supports, optimize digging and lifting processes, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and prevent overloading, which can lead to costly downtime and maintenance. This data is typically gathered throughout one of two stages of the product cycle: during thorough product testing or while monitoring the product in real-time. The mining industry heavily utilizes both use cases.

For example, Interface load cells are used for conveyor systems, which rely on force measurement to monitor the tension and load on conveyor belts. Load cells can also be installed on mining shovels, draglines, and excavators to measure the load on the buckets or booms.

Excavator Test and Measurement Applications

Load cells and torque transducers are used to test the performance of excavators. This includes testing the excavator’s digging force, lifting capacity, and swing torque. An Interface load cell can accurately measure the force exerted by the excavator’s bucket as it digs into the ground. The measurement data provides information to determine if the excavator has sufficient digging force to complete the task. Our torque transducers are helpful in accurately measuring the swing torque of the excavator to assess that there is adequate torque to swing the boom and bucket safely and efficiently.

Mining Equipment Design and Testing

Load cells and torque transducers are valuable in the design of mining and excavation equipment. The precision of Interface’s LowProfile Load Cells accurately measures the forces acting on different parts of the equipment, such as the boom, bucket, and undercarriage. The measurement data during extensive testing can also help determine how to optimize the equipment. Our Mini Load Cells, like the SSMH Sealed Hazardous Environment Intrinsically Safe S-Type Load Cell, can be integrated into mining equipment and tools for continuous monitoring and safety alarms to protect from overloading. Torque transducers can measure the torque requirements of different equipment components, such as the rotary drive and swing drive. This information can be used to design more powerful and efficient components.

Monitoring the Safety and Regulation of Cranes

Mining operations worldwide rely on cranes, lifting equipment, and heavy-duty vehicles. This equipment requires rigorous testing of every component and continuous monitoring to safeguard the equipment and, more importantly, operators.

In this video application, the customer verified if the crane is safe and functional enough to lift its working load limit (WLL) or safe working load (SWL) capacity. Using the Interface Model WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link Load Cell, they can measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules can also trigger an alarm that can be set when it reaches the maximum capacity of weight and force. The data is transmitted and can be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display or on a computer.

See how our measurement solutions are used for crane capacity verification.

Interface offers an intrinsically safe lineup of products designed for rugged and extreme conditions that are of great value in the mining industry. These specialized load cells and force measurement solutions are designed and manufactured so that the materials and electronic components are safe for use in hazardous gas and dust environments when installed per applicable installation instructions. These components play an integral role in the safety of those working in dangerous environments, particularly in natural resource industries like oil, gas, forestry, and mining.

To learn more about our products used in the mining and natural resource industries, contact Interface Application Engineers. They are ready to answer your questions and find the correct measurement solution for your requirements.

Outlining Force Solutions for Structural Outrigging

Across a wide variety of industries, heavy machinery, maritime, construction, and other infrastructure often need additional structural support. This includes support that prevents equipment, vessels, and buildings from falling over, capsizing or collapsing.

Typically, the solution to provide this critical structural support comes in the form of an outrigger. For vehicles, both land and maritime, an outrigger is a projecting structure, with specific meaning depending on types of vessels, or the legs on a wheeled vehicle that are folded out when it needs stabilization.

For buildings, outriggers are interior lateral structural systems provided to improve the overturning stiffness and strength of high-rise buildings. It is a lateral load resisting system that is located within the building. The whole system consists of a core structure connected to the perimeter columns of the building.

These types of structural supports became popularized in the 1980s as an addition to high-rise buildings as they are effective up to 150 floors due to its unique combination of architectural flexibility and structural efficiency. Outrigging has been adapted for large vehicles and boats, such as large cranes that are extremely top heavy and can create balance problems, or yachts that need to be stabilized when stored out of water.

With the addition of these supports, various forms of testing need to be done to ensure the outrigger can support the vehicle or structure it is installed upon. This is where Interface’s force measurement testing and monitoring products are utilized in different outrigging applications.

Interface load cells are used by outrigging engineers, civil engineers and heavy equipment manufacturers, oil and gas, construction industry and marine equipment companies. Read more why Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions.

The role of force measurement sensor technologies in outrigging is to provide high accuracy measurement of the outrigging equipment in test and actual use. The applications range from integration of sensors into outrigger equipment, to load cells for real-time monitoring of the physical structure using outrigger supports.

The most common Interface products used for outrigging include:

For example, Interface load shackle cells are used to measure the forces during outrigger testing as well as on the outrigger equipment that support the structure. The data from the sensor is critical information used to assess the structural integrity of the outrigger or structure and to identify any potential weaknesses.

Interface load cells, such as our load shackles or load pins, are typically placed in strategic locations on the outrigger or structure where the force is expected to be greatest. The load cell is then connected to a data acquisition system (DAQ) or indicator that records the force readings. The data can then be analyzed to determine the maximum force applied to the outrigger or structure, as well as the distribution of force over the structure.

Load cells can also be used to monitor the performance of outriggers or structures over time. This can be helpful in identifying any changes in the structural integrity that may be caused by wear and tear, environmental factors, or other factors. Utilizing instrumentation with alarm capabilities is helpful, as well as a tool for maintenance.

Load cells are an important safety feature in outrigging equipment. They can help to prevent accidents and ensure that the equipment is used safely. A load cell is used to prevent a crane collapse during the construction of a high-rise building in a large congested metropolitan city. The crane is used for lifting a heavy beam. The load cell alerts the operator when the load is too heavy.

Ultimately, force measurement provides several benefits to testing and monitoring different outrigger applications, including:

  • Increased safety: By measuring the force applied to the outrigger, a load cell can help to prevent overloading and damage to the outrigger. It is also valuable for continuous monitoring during lifting use cases, such as with a crane or heavy machinery.
  • Improved efficiency: By monitoring the performance of the outrigger, a load cell can help to identify any potential problems early on, which can help to prevent costly downtime.
  • Reduced risk: By providing accurate data on the force applied to the outrigger, a load cell can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Examples of how force measurement is used to test outrigger solutions in a variety of industries:

  • In the oil and gas industry, load cells are used to test the outriggers of offshore drilling rigs. This helps to ensure that the rigs are safe to operate in high-wind and wave conditions.
  • In the construction industry, load cells are used to test the outriggers of cranes and other lifting equipment. This helps to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and that it will not overload the outriggers.
  • In civil engineering, load cells are used to test the structural integrity of bridges and other structures. This helps to ensure that the structures are safe to use and that they will not collapse underload.

Outriggers play a critical role in the safety and support of vehicles, infrastructure projects and massive structures. Interface force measurement products also play a necessary role in safeguarding outriggers and the operators. If you have an outrigging use case and are wondering which products are best suiting for your specific requirements, contact Interface Application Engineers for help.

Construction Brochure

Engineered Solutions for Lifting Webinar

Interface’s technical webinar Engineered Solutions for Lifting details measurement devices used in lifting equipment, machines, and vehicles to improve operations and safety. Interface load cells and instrumentation are used to operate cranes, hoist heavy objects, and measure forces in infrastructure projects. Interface experts answer how load cells are used in safety monitoring for lifting equipment. Learn about Interface sensor products suited for integration into existing equipment and test and measurement projects.

Rigging Engineers Choose Interface Measurement Solutions

Interface supports rigging engineers who design, plan, and oversee the rigging of heavy loads by providing high accuracy measurement solutions. Rigging is the process of using ropes, chains, and other lifting equipment to move and position large objects.

Rigging engineers typically work in maritime, construction, manufacturing, entertainment and energy industries. Interface is also seeing a growing demand for sensor technologies used by rigging engineers that work in aerospace, both for aircraft and space vehicle manufacturers.

The use of load cells to measure the weight of heavy loads, such as cranes, ships, rockets, theater equipment and machinery is on the rise. Rigging engineers use the data from load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links to ensure that the loads are not overloaded and that the rigging systems are properly designed for each use case. This often requires pairing the high accuracy sensor with instrumentation. For versatility wireless telemetry systems are useful for rigging engineers.

These vital engineering positions are responsible for rigging up and down cranes, loading and unloading ships, or moving heavy equipment around a factory floor. Rigging engineers that design and plan rigging systems for lifting and transporting heavy loads across various industries rely on accurate measurement data. They often oversee the rigging of heavy loads, ensuring that it is done safely and efficiently. They inspect rigging equipment for wear and tear, and make repairs as needed while maintaining records of rigging operations. Sensors and instrumentation play an important role.

Load cells are an important tool for rigging engineers. They provide valuable information that can be used to ensure the safety of rigging operations, whether they are for mooring tension tests in the maritime industry or for lifting an aircraft for wind tunnel testing. Load cells can be used in a variety of ways by rigging engineers. For example, they can be used to:

  • Monitor the weight of a load in real time. This information can be used to make sure that the load does not exceed the safe lifting capacity of the rigging system. Sensors are often integrated into conveyor systems, hoppers, and other equipment to measure the weight or force being exerted. These devices are often used in industries like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • Create a load map. A load map is a visual representation of the weight distribution of a load. This information can be used to ensure that the load is evenly distributed, and that the rigging system is properly designed no matter the size of structure or component.
  • Set overload limits. Overload limits are set to prevent the rigging system from being overloaded. If the weight of a load exceeds the overload limit, an alarm will sound, and the rigging system will be shut down.
  • Record load data. Load data can be recorded and used to track the weight of loads over time. This information can be used to identify trends and patterns that may indicate a need for maintenance or repairs.
  • Secure equipment. The information from force and weight sensors is critical when lifting and securing equipment, such as appartus used in the entertainment sector, from arial arts rigging to stage set-up.

Rigging engineers use load pins, load shackles, and tension links in a variety of applications to measure and monitor loads, weight and tensions in different lifting and rigging operations.

  • Crane and Hoist Monitoring: Load pins, load shackles, and tension links are commonly used in cranes and hoists to measure the load being lifted. These devices can be integrated into the lifting mechanism to provide real-time load monitoring, ensuring that the load remains within safe working limits. Application examples: Gantry Crane Weighing and Crane Force Regulation App Note
  • Heavy Lifting and Rigging: Load measurement technologies are used in heavy lifting and rigging operations to measure the tension in cables, ropes, and other lifting components. By monitoring the tension, rigging engineers can ensure that the load is evenly distributed, and that the lifting equipment is not overloaded. Application examples: Lifting Heavy Objects and Aircraft Lifting Equipment
  • Load Testing: Sensors are utilized in load testing scenarios to assess the strength and performance of lifting equipment, such as cranes, hoists, and winches. These devices provide accurate load measurements during the testing process, helping engineers determine if the equipment meets the required safety standards. Application examples: Rescue Helicopter Hoist Test and Harness Durability Testing
  • Offshore and Marine Applications: Due to the ruggedized designs of Interface load pins, load shackles, and tension links, we see extensive use in offshore and maritime operations. They are employed in various lifting and mooring applications, including lifting heavy equipment onto offshore platforms, measuring tension in mooring lines, and monitoring loads on anchor systems. Application examples: Mooring Line Tension Testing App Note and Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications
  • Infrastructure and Civil Engineering Projects: Load cells, load pins, load shackles, and tension links are actively used in construction and civil engineering projects for load monitoring purposes. They can be used in applications such as measuring loads on temporary structures, monitoring tension in cables and suspension systems, and ensuring safe load distribution during construction operations. Application examples: Power Line Tension Testing and Monitoring the Seismic Force of a Suspension Bridge

In all these applications, rigging engineers are using crucial data about loads, tensions, and forces, to ensure safety, optimize performance, and prevent equipment failures.

Load cells and measurement solutions can help to prevent overloading of rigging systems, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Accurate sensors help to improve the efficiency of rigging operations by providing real-time weight data. This information can be used to adjust the rigging system as needed, which can help to reduce the amount of time and effort required to lift and transport heavy loads.

Learn more about Interface’s Lifting Solutions and Weighing Solutions for Rigging Engineers with these resources:

Aerial Arts Rig

Theater Rigging System

WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection App Note

Bridge Construction Wind Monitoring

Aircraft Engine Hoist

Innovative Interface Lifting Solutions

Aerial Lift Overload Control

Weighing: Gantry Crane Weighing