A New Load Sensor for Truck Self Weighing Systems

The need to measure axle loads, payload and gross load of commercial vehicles is shown to have led to the development of the technique of indirect measurement of load by siting strain sensors on the load bearing components of trucks. The specification for a suitable sensor is offered and some of the different types of sensor that have attempted to meet it are examined. An evolutionary design route is traced for a new type of sensor (1) which is low cost, easy to apply and comes close to the specification. The sensor is described together with its protective housing and tooling system which is an important part of the assembly. Finally the likely direction that future market needs will take the development of the sensor and its built in electronics is reviewed.