Mantracourt Electronics Ltd (United Kingdom): Wireless Laundry Collection Tail Gate Weighing

As a driver collects laundry loads from different locations, the weight of the bags need to be monitored and recorded.

The Challenge:

The customer needed to be provided with a receipt so that an appropriate amount can be charged for the service provided. The driver also must know what weight has been loaded into the vehicle.

The Solution:

The vehicle used for collection has a fold-down tailgate to which two load cells attach on the pivoting point. This then accurately weighs the load on the tailgate once it is off the ground. The load cells connect to one T24-SA strain acquisition module. The T24-SA transmits the value to a T24-HA handheld device which allows the operator to investigate any existing load on the tailgate and provide the tare weight (which is the weight of an empty container, packaging, or vehicle). The driver can also trigger a printout on the T24-PR1 printer mounted in the cab of the truck.

When a truck arrives at a location, the driver turns on his handheld; this wakes the acquisition module – which is in sleep mode to preserve battery life between uses. The driver then zeros the system using the handheld before loading the laundry onto the tailgate.

Once loaded, the driver lifts the tailgate off the ground and can print a receipt of the handheld displayed value. This is before unloading the laundry off the tailgate and onto the truck. The handheld has motion band detection to ensure that the weight is steady before the receipt is printed. This avoids erroneous readings caused by flexing of the tailgate hinges.

Products Used:

• Wireless Telemetry USB Base Station Reciever T24-BSu
• Wireless Sensor Transmitter Strain Acquisition T24-SA OEM Module
• Wireless Portable Display Receiver for Multiple Wireless Transmitters Advanced T24-HA