Product Analysis On a Portable Electronic Scale - Essay Example

Balances are used to measure the mass of a body which means the gravitational pull on the body whereas the scale measure the weight which is the tension of the compression force provided by the scale used. In order to measure the mass of very small objects we cannot use ordinary scales or balances. For this purpose a microbalance is used which can measure mass of the order of million parts of a gram. Portable electronic scales can be used for a variety of purposes. One such purpose is to check your own luggage before entering the airport so that you do not have to pay any extra luggage money at the airport.

These scales are also used by traders and businessmen who are always on the move. Diamond traders usually carry their own portable scales in order to ensure that they are not ripped off during transactions. One example of a portable electronic scales the xinyu digital luggage scale. These scales are usually very light weight and easy to use. (Best Micro-controller Projects, 2007) They also show weight correctly in kgs, pounds and other units. They can also be programmed to save the last few readings, work on easily available batteries and can be switched off when not in use.

Thus the scales are quite handy and useful. A picture of the scale is shown below – Electronic portable scales measure weight with the help of a strain gauge. The strain gauge is a length sensitive electrical resistance and is used to measure the deflection of the beam once the weight is suspended from it. As the object is suspended the electrical resistance of the gauge changes. (Window, 1992)The resistance of the beam to deflection determines the capacity of the strain gauge and in turn the capacity of the scale.

In order to measure smaller objects only a single strain gauge may be required but to measure very heavy objects like trucks rail wagons etc, the results which arrive from different supporting locations are added up electronically in order