The purpose of a basic load cell in weight measurement is to convert the force or weight applied to it into an electrical signal that can be measured and interpreted by a weight indicator or other measuring device. Load cells are transducers that are commonly used in various applications, including weighing scales, industrial processes, force measurement, and material testing.
The basic load cell typically consists of a strain gauge, which is a small metal wire or foil that changes its electrical resistance when subjected to mechanical strain or deformation. The load cell is designed in a way that when a force or weight is applied to it, it causes the strain gauge to deform slightly, altering its resistance.
The change in resistance is proportional to the applied force or weight. This change is then converted into an electrical signal (usually in millivolts) using Wheatstone bridge circuitry within the load cell. The electrical signal can be amplified and further processed by the measuring instrument to display the weight in the desired unit (e.g., kilograms or pounds).
In summary, the basic load cell's purpose is to accurately and reliably measure weights or forces and provide an electrical signal output that can be used for weight measurement and control applications.