Innovative load pin applications

A Load measuring pin, which often replaces a standard clevis or trunnion, is a strain gauge sensor that measures the force applied to the device. The strain gauges are installed in a small hole in the center of the bolt. Load pins have been used in a variety of projects in various industries.

Load pins are a simple but extremely powerful sensor that enables data collection for accurate and frequent measurements. The load pin can replace a pin, clevis, sheave and balance pin and other load-bearing components to measure tensile and compressive forces.

Interface's load pins, manufactured from high-strength, stainless steel, are suitable for use in harsh environments, including seawater. We offer standard load pin sizes ranging from 1,1K lbf to 3,3M lbf (500 kgs to 1500 MT). We also offer wireless load pins. Interface load pins are custom-manufactured to meet the specific dimensional requirements of each application, as described in our webinar " Use Cases for Load Pins ."

The most frequently cited applications for load-sensing studs are overhead equipment such as cranes and elevators . However, thanks to the ingenuity of engineers and our customers, load-sensing studs are becoming increasingly popular in infrastructure, aerospace, marine, agriculture, and industrial applications. Today's load-sensing studs are used to test and measure force, load, and weight in a much wider variety of applications. Their demand is also growing due to their wireless capabilities for short and long distances. This applies not only to cranes and lifting equipment but also to construction machinery, industrial machinery, nautical vessels and equipment, structural environments in aerospace, and building applications.

Infrastructure investments and projects worldwide are booming. Investments in transportation systems such as highways, waterways, bridges, public transport, water supply, and power generation often require load pin solutions for use in all project phases, from construction to maintenance and real-time monitoring. Some of these examples are highlighted in Infrastructure Projects Rely on Interface.

Interface has extensive experience in supplying robust and standard load pins for testing. Our load pins are highly sought after in the infrastructure industry, not only because of the accuracy and reliability of our sensors, but also due to the fact that we offer a variety of communication channels to enable both wired and wireless solutions. When it comes to the requirements for repairing and rebuilding public infrastructure, resilience, equality and safety for all users are important criteria in the design and construction phase. Here, Interface's load measuring pins are the key to a solution that is characterized by durability, accuracy, quality and user-friendliness.

Interface has documented some application examples of the use of our load-measuring bolts in various projects, from maritime submersibles to monitoring new bridges during constant earth movement.

AEROPSPACE: Testing landing gear connections

A global manufacturer in the aerospace industry needs to test its new assembly and design by examining its landing gear joints. The goal is to ensure the landing gear shock absorber design is flawless and can handle the forces exerted during the aircraft's landing from flight. Interface's WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pins can be installed, replacing the standard bolted connections. The aircraft undergoes multiple drop tests from varying heights, with the forces acting on the load pins transmitting measurement data. The force readings are wirelessly transmitted to the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Digital Display for multiple transmitters. Read more about this load pin application here.

MARITIME: Quick release hook (QRH)

A customer wanted to test their quick-release hook (QRH) system while their vessels were docked. They wanted to ensure the mooring lines were secure, but also that the quick-release hooks could be easily and safely released. Interface's WTSLP stainless steel load-sensing bolt was integrated into the quick-release hook, where the mooring line forces could be measured and displayed in conjunction with the WTS-BS-4 USB industrial base station . The load forces were displayed in real time on the customer's PC or laptop. The WTS-RM1 wireless relay output receiver module could also trigger an alarm for the customer if the maximum safety load capacity was reached or exceeded. This solution allowed the customer to determine whether their quick-release hooks were operating effectively within safety limits and to be aware of potential overload situations. Read more here.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Monitoring seismic forces on bridges

A customer wanted to monitor seismic activity on a bridge by using force sensors to continuously monitor bridge forces before, during, and after an earthquake. The customer preferred a wireless solution to avoid running long cables across the bridge. Interface, in collaboration with Interface Inc., helped develop the LP Load Pins , specifically tailored to the customer's needs. Using the WTS wireless telemetry system, continuous force monitoring was achieved without long cables. This solution enabled the customer to monitor continuous loads, log information to the cloud, and review data. Read more about this solution here.

AGRICULTURE: Traction force control in the tractor hitch

On a farm, it's essential to measure the forces acting on the tractor's drawbar control system between the tractor and any implements. Measuring these forces helps farmers identify potential stresses on the tractor's hitch and is necessary for making specific drawbar adjustments when the tractor encounters rough terrain. The Interface WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin is a wireless load pin that installs directly into the hitch, replacing the tractor's standard shear pin. Force readings are wirelessly transmitted to the WTS-BS-4 USB industrial base station , where they can be viewed on a computer using Interface's WTS Toolkit. Customers can also view the results in real time on the WTS-BS-1-HS handheld display for single transmitters. Learn more about this IoT farming solution here.