Why product designers choose Interfaceforce
Load cells and Torque transducer All types play a critical role in the test and measurement landscape and are widely used by engineers to qualify product design, ensure safety, and demonstrate reliability and durability. Force measurement solutions are now increasingly used in original product designs and components as they are needed during design, testing, prototyping and to monitor force in the final product.
Interface is a long-standing partner of product design engineers. You use our force sensors throughout the entire design process. Interface's sensor technologies are preferred by product developers for their precision, accuracy, variety of options and quality. Our load cells and torque transducers are used across industries in all types of equipment, industrial solutions and consumer products, large and small.
When looking for a solution to a problem, designers use our products at every stage of the process.
Questions + Qualify: Key sensor specifications, design features, capacity and performance requirements are often collected in consultation with our application engineers. This first step is crucial to select the right sensor type and ensure it fits into the test plan.
Planning + Design Files: While the engineer is creating the plan, he turns to Interface to collect the datasheet details along with our design files. Interface has thousands of products, and each has its own unique drawing. These are all available on our website organized by product. If you need help finding a design file, you can submit CAD requests here.
Prototyping: If the specifications require a custom or modified design, our engineers work with the design and test engineers to ensure the exact specifications meet the final design requirements.
Test + Measurement: Accuracy and quality are most important here. The designs are tested and data is collected to determine whether the problem has actually been solved. Often our sensors are combined with measuring instruments and other products used in the laboratory to validate all use cases and design specifications. This also provides valuable insights for improvements and modifications if necessary.
Manufacturing and market launch: The final step in which Interface can play an important role is the large-scale manufacturing of sensors to be used as embedded components. We work with many OEMs to produce unique parts for their product designs.
Product solutions for development engineers
Interface's force measurement products are the preferred solutions for designers due to our extensive product catalog. We offer four types of product solutions for design engineers: standard products available on our website, made-to-order products tailored to a specific use case, custom solutions manufactured to the engineer's specifications and requirements, and OEM products be developed as part of a product. We have worked with thousands of applications listed in our extensive application catalog and have developed a product list of over 30.000 SKUs that makes it easy to get started in the design process.
Development of brake pedals for games
In the gaming world, load cells for racing game pedals are very popular to simulate the real experience. These load cells more accurately capture the force of a human foot pushing down the pedal in play, especially when using products like our Bluetooth Brake Pedal Load Cell. This special load cell is also available wirelessly. Engineers involved in brake pedal development create a series of tests to ensure that the pedal performs as intended and to ensure that all use cases are validated with accurate measurement data. This helps with final design testing and initial prototyping as well as full release. For more details about this consumer product application, please see the Gaming Simulation Brake Pedal app note. Read more about gaming solutions here.
Design of traction control systems for tractor linkages
Farmers need to measure the forces acting on their tractor's traction control between the tractor and the attached implements. Measuring the force helps the farmer identify any tension on the tractor's hitch and is needed to make special adjustments to the draft control when the tractor encounters rough terrain. When this issue was resolved, the manufacturer shared its requirements with Interface application experts. During the qualification process with the designer, Interface proposed the WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin, a wireless load pin that can be installed directly into the hitch and replaces the tractor's normal shear pin.
The force results are then transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 USB industrial base station, where the test results can be viewed via a connected computer. We also provided the WTS toolkit to provide the testing software. The engineer was able to view the test results in real time on the WTSBS-1-HS handheld display for individual transmitters. This solution allowed the designer to specify the specific traction control settings for the tractors. They were also able to incorporate functions for real-time adjustment during tractor use.
Development of fitness equipment and machines
A fitness equipment manufacturer wanted multiple load measurement systems for its various fitness equipment such as elliptical trainers, leg presses, rowing machines and cable machines. The goal of developing sensors in the devices is to ensure that the devices function properly to prevent injuries. The sensors can also be used for trainers who want to conduct strength and endurance tests. Interface supplied a combination of products including the WMCFP Overload Protected Sealed Miniature Stainless Steel Load Cells, SSB Sealed Beam Load Cells and AT103 Axial Torsional Force and Torque Transducers. In conjunction with the appropriate instrumentation from Interface, the forces can be measured, graphed and displayed during the test phase. Interface's products all effectively measure the forces required for training or sporting activity. This not only ensured that the devices developed worked properly, but also that users could track their endurance performance and consider future design improvements based on consumer usage.
These are just a few examples from the industrial and consumer sectors that show how sensors can add important functions to products in all areas. Our sensors help validate, measure, test, prototype and introduce new products that are safe, reliable and durable. We also want design engineers to experience the wide range of monitoring and real-time sensing capabilities that Interface offers. Ask us to get started. We are here to support you in your product development process.