Instrumented Sphere for Compression Analysis

In this article we propose an experimental load cell to sense forces along the X, Y and Z axes. It´s a sphere shaped load cell that is able to capture compression forces and can be used in different applications such as fruit compression analysis, soil compacting, among others. The development of the ring load cells was done by using a finite element analysis software. The ring load cells were mounted together and their signals were amplified by instrumentation amplifiers put inside them. To evaluate the transducer a complete data acquisition system was developed including a microcontrolled module and a PC computer, running a calibrated compression analysis software. The system was tested with fruits in packinghouses, during the postharvest process where these fruits are selected, boxed and transported. The developed software permits the real time analysis undergone by the compression and it has the capability of exporting data and graphics. The experimental set up with the instrumented sphere gave enough information for horticultural researchers to develop studies on fruit compression.