Customized load pins for cargo lifts

WEP-Weisshaupt and Zemic Europe have worked together to develop an overload detection system which can be integrated in their cargo lifts.

Not only is the total weight measured in these lifts/cars; the weight in each of the four corners of this lift is also measured and indicated on a display. WEP-Weisshaupt is an engineering company that manufactures equipment for car control stations, vertical and horizontal transport systems, column lift systems, vehicle lifts, handling devices and special constructions. Any product that leaves the company is a result of their own development, design and manufacturing.

WEP-Weisshaupt was looking for an overload-detection system to equip their multicolumn-lifts. These multi-column lifts are either made with two or four columns; each column carries a part of the load and needs to be monitored. Integration of the overload detection was to occur without having to change too much to the existing design. Consequently, WEP-Weisshaupt was looking for a partner which could advise it on the selection of the most appropriate sensor.

Wide program of sensors

According to the company, Zemic has a wide program of sensors and, with its large engineering department, the capacity to design custom made sensors. Zemic designed a small load pin, which could be optimally integrated in the system.

WEP-Weisshaupt wanted to provide a unique system for its customers, in which not only the total weight could be monitored, but also the weight in each of the four corners of the car. To do so, Zemic combined the use of load pins with a weight transmitter.

On a LCD display the total weight and the weight for each corner can be shown. When the maximum weight, in total, or in a corner, is reached, the system indicates it. The advantage is that overload will be detected in an early stage which allows for damage control and cost savings.

About the column lift of WEP-Weisshaupt

The VSL is a lift system with four columns on which a car, platform or custom device (supporting frame, lifter) is raised. The columns are arranged in pairs opposite to each other, as desired on the short or the long sides of the basket, since no drive sections pass through the platform. The possibilities are endless. The VSL has a net load of up to 3000 kg and can be designed for lifts with heights from 3 m up to 12 m.

A wide range of lifting devices with a variable width and length of the platform is possible. Only the static sets a limit at the end. Platform lifts, fixture constructions as well as many more options are possible.

Integration of the lift into production processes is also possible. The systems are always designed with close consultation between the customer and the technicians of WEP-Weisshaupt.

Zemic load pins

In the column lift system, both load pins and weight transmitters are used. Load pins are force sensors which are installed in applications for measuring dynamic, static or hoisting forces. For example, load pins are used for the overload protection of cranes, creating load measuring systems, building load limitation systems and to optimize the service life of hoists. Load pins are often used when load cells do not fit in a system.

Customer-specific requirements for a load pin often to be have taken into account, concerning dimensions, IP grades, integrated transmitters, specific cable exits, redundant solutions etc. For this reason, Zemic has designed a special webpage ‘Design your load pin’, so each customer can enter the required specifications.

The T2 Weight Transmitter 8-Channel was designed for this application. This sensor permits adjusting individual set points for each channel.

www.zemiceurope.com
www.wep-weisshaupt.com