There
are many types of force transducers,
usually referred to as torque cells (to measure torque) and load
cells (to measure force). When an item is placed on the food scale,
the weight is initially evenly distributed.
p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }
We
rarely stop to think about the mechanical make-up of the devices we
use in our daily lives. Food scales in dieters’ kitchens
incorporate a miniature force
transducer
allowing them to determine dry, liquid, or chopped ingredients in
weight, instead of volume, helpful in watching their waistlines.
There are many types of force transducers,
usually referred to as torque cells (to measure torque) and load
cells (to measure force). When an item is placed on the food scale,
the weight is initially evenly distributed. Below the flat tray of
most digital scales are four slightly raised pegs just inside the
corners that are there to distribute the force of the weight evenly.
The mechanical make-up of the digital scale then applies the force of
the load to at least one end of a force
transducer. As
the weight is applied, the end of the force
transducer tilts
downwards, which changes the amount of electrical resistance running
through the scale. The mass of this electrical resistance is passed
through a converter that changes it from analog to digital and sends
it to a little microchip that is in charge of displaying the highly
accurate numbers that are seen either in ounces, pounds, or grams.
Portion
control is just one of the issues involved in weight management.
Precise measurement is also needed to let us know our exercise has
paid off and you can now squeeze into those skinny jeans. Step onto
your bathroom scale, and you’ll be standing on a force
transducer beneath the platform, which converts a change in force
into a change in voltage. When you kick the scale on, the battery is
sending a particular voltage through the circuits of the scale.
Weight applied to the top platform triggers a force transducer
beneath which alters the voltage and converts it to a weight read
out. That read out can affect your entire day depending on what it
says, so if you’re feeling heavy, skip the scale to save yourself
some grief!
