If you have lost pivot pins or clevis, you can replace them directly using load pins for a host of different applications. There is no need to make changes to a pin’s mechanical structure, making it advantageous over other sensors. Generally, load pins are used in pivots, shackles, brake anchors, bearing blocks, sheaves, etc.
Load pins are used for force sensing using its strain gauges present inside a tiny bore. A pin is used, and two grooves are attached to the pin’s outer circumference. This defines the shear planes which are placed between the places where forces are measured. In the following blog, we will read about some things one should know before using a load pin.
Environmental conservation
The load pin’s central small-bore contains the instrumental area and makes the sensor totally waterproof. These pins are fitted with O-ring sealed cap ends and made using stainless steel, keeping in mind signal cable glanding. This ensures that even if you use such pins underwater, they will operate properly and give reliable results.
Locking systems
To use a load pin in the right manner, you have to lock it into a strong and secure position so that its orientation matches with its assembly. Fix both the rotation and axial modes of the pin to make sure you get accurate and correct results even after repeated use of the measuring pins.
Standard pins sense and measure force in just one direction, and the pin’s sensor will produce nil output if the force is exerted at a right angle to the pin.
Common locations
Some pins come fitted with an already-defined load path and can be used to experience force in a particular direction. To examine a specific load, you can use an LCM pin. Meltrons is an experienced company with more than 25 years of experience in providing all types of weighing solutions to Australians.
The company creates custom solutions based on customer demands and offers development and design, manufacturing, technical help, weighing electronics, weight scales, load pins, etc. For all types of businesses, you will get the best and most affordable weighing solutions at Meltrons.
Arrangement of connectors and cables
For suiting the space and installation needs of a load pin, you can remove the signal cable altogether. This helps to protect the cables from damage and wear-and-tear while installing the load pin or using it.
If a requirement arises, you can incorporate a socket and plug breakdown at the pin. You can even use a hydraulic hose to provide extra security and protection over a general polyurethane sheath cable. Through this, the level of security and protection increases while associated fittings also become available for use anytime.
Load rating
To improve the load-bearing capacity of a load pin design, LCM pins are manufactures using high-strength special steel. There is always a slight difference between a pin’s ultimate strength and its output signal. Double sheared load pins have varying load ratings for varying pin diameters and sizes.
Angle of force
When the angle at which force is exerted on a standard pin changes, either in wrap angle or any other exterior phenomenon, then the output of this load pin will show a loss. Research has shown that the angle of force can be varied by +/- 8 degrees before the load pin’s output signal incurs a loss of 1%.
Calibration
A traceable compression machine is used to calibrate full or half blocks of load pins generally. You can calculate the total tension in a shack assembly if the shack’s sensing member is a load pin. You should try to match a load pin with its loading conditions in most cases.
However, it is impossible to simulate an on-site load pin’s structure completely. Because of this reason, it is always advised to do calibration during the final assembly for proper system accuracy and efficiency.
Installation tips
The size and load-bearing capacity of a pin should be considered before designing a new load pin. You can expect a high performance if there are no alterations in the pin’s size, loading conditions, and overall structure. A small bend or change in loading areas has an effect on the overall performance level of a load pin.
Conclusion
Load pins are durable and strong objects with a lot of utility in preventing overloading and load limitations. You can measure force, load, constraint, etc., through these pins and use them in various applications and industries.
Even lifts and cranes get added safety and protection through the use of load pins. In the above article, we read about some things which should be known before using a load pin. Make sure you get the right-sized load pin for your requirements and use it in the right manner.
