Design Study of a Heavy Duty Load Cell Using Finite Element Analysis: A practical Introduction to Mechatronic Design Process

Mechatronics design process is a series of analytical brain storming operations from sepcification to implementation. The mechtronic products are widly available in the market for various use and applications. This is expected to develop futher in the future with great competitiveness. In order to succeed in the market, mechatronic products need to satisfy the market expectations with regard to quality, fitness for purpose, customer's appeal and cost efficiency. Therefore, the design analysis techniques play a significat part in the market success of these products. Finite Element Analysis is probably the most commonly used numerical technique for mechatronic product design. This technique has been developed over a number of years and is now available in a wide variety of packages, mostly for mainframe and workstation plaiforms but also for personal computer systems. Over the past few years, the range of users has broadened dramatically with a rapid need for training and education of this technique. This paper reviews the design philosophy and modelling strategy of a mechtronic product using finite elemnent tequniques. This takes into acount the design study of a 140 tonne load cell for measuring a load mechanisim in metal working applications.