Patent Description:
Aspects described herein relate to digital load cell transducers.

Load cell transducers are used across a wide variety of industrial and retail applications for providing accurate weight measurements. However, if a load cell transducer becomes unknowingly damaged or mispositioned, the accuracy of the weight measurements produced by the load cell transducer may decrease. Existing solutions for determining whether a load cell transducer has been damaged or mispositioned are difficult and expensive to implement.

In some aspects, load cell transducers described herein include one or more strain gauges configured to generate a first signal indicative of a force applied to the load cell transducer and a sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an acceleration and an orientation of the load cell transducer. The load cell transducer further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more strain gauges and the sensor. The controller includes an electronic processor and is configured to determine a weight of an object based on the first signal, determine the acceleration of the load cell transducer based on the second signal, determine whether the acceleration exceeds a threshold, output a message indicating an issue of the load cell transducer, when the acceleration exceeds the threshold.

In some aspects, weighing installations described herein can include a weighing surface and a load cell transducer coupled to the weighing surface. The load cell transducer includes one or more strain gauges configured to generate a first signal indicative of a force applied by an object to the weighing surface and a sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of an acceleration and an orientation of the load cell transducer. The load cell transducer further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more strain gauges and the sensor. The controller includes an electronic processor and is configured to determine a weight of the object based on the first signal, determine the acceleration of the load cell transducer based on the second signal, determine whether the acceleration exceeds a threshold, and output a message indicating an issue of the load cell transducer, when the acceleration exceeds the threshold.

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and/or application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"). As such, it should be noted that a plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components, may be utilized to implement the embodiments. For example, "servers," "computing devices," "controllers," "processors," etc., described in the specification can include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input/output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting the components.

Relative terminology, such as, for example, "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc., used in connection with a quantity or condition would be understood by those of ordinary skill to be inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement accuracy, tolerances [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.] associated with the particular value, etc.). Such terminology should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about <NUM> to about <NUM>" also discloses the range "from <NUM> to <NUM>". The relative terminology may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or more) of an indicated value.

It should be understood that although certain drawings illustrate hardware and software located within particular devices, these depictions are for illustrative purposes only. Functionality described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functionality performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the illustrated components may be combined or divided into separate software, firmware and/or hardware. For example, instead of being located within and performed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed among multiple electronic processors. Regardless of how they are combined or divided, hardware and software components may be located on the same computing device or may be distributed among different computing devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Similarly, a component described as performing particular functionality may also perform additional functionality not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way but may also be configured in ways that are not explicitly listed.

D1 (<CIT>) relates to a weighing scale comprising a weighing cell, a weighing scale board and/or a weighing cell board, the weighing scale board and/or the weighing cell board comprises a first storage for storing a number of zero point adjustments that are bigger than a first zero point adjustment threshold and/or a second storage for storing the biggest zero point adjustment value and a method for operating a weighing scale.

Other aspects of the embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a load cell transducer <NUM> that may be included in a weighing installation, such as a scale, in accordance with some aspects. Hereinafter, the load cell transducer <NUM> may also be referred to as the "load cell" <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the load cell <NUM> is a single point load cell in which the body <NUM> is defined by a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and an aperture <NUM> formed therebetween between. However, it should be understood that in some instances, the load cell <NUM> is implemented as a different type of load cell. For example, in some instances, the load cell <NUM> is implemented as a planar beam load cell, a bending beam load cell, a shear beam load cell, a dual shear beam load cell, an S-type load cell, or some other type of load cell. As further shown, a cable <NUM> is connected to and extends from the body <NUM> to electrically connect the load cell <NUM> to an external device, such as a junction box or computer.

In addition, the load cell <NUM> may include a plurality of strain gauges 130A-130D for sensing a force applied to load cell <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the strain gauges 130A-130D are connected to the body <NUM> and are covered by a protective coating, or potting, <NUM> that is applied to the body <NUM>. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, the strain gauges 130A-130D are electrically connected in a Wheatstone Bridge configuration. However, it should be understood that in some instances, the strain gauges 130A-130D are electrically connected in a different configuration. Furthermore, it should be understood that in some instances, the load cell <NUM> includes more or less than four strain gauges <NUM>. For example, in some instances, the load cell <NUM> includes one strain gauge <NUM>.

In operation, the strain gauges 130A-130D convert a force, or weight, applied to the load cell <NUM> into an electrical signal. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the electrical signal is an output voltage signal Vo that is proportional to the force applied to the load cell <NUM>. When the load cell <NUM> is under load (e.g., being used to weigh an object), the shape of the load cell's body <NUM> deforms proportionately with the force applied to the load cell <NUM>. The strain gauges 130A-130D, which are connected to the body <NUM>, may also disform in unison with the body <NUM> thereby causing a corresponding change in the output voltage signal Vo. As will be described in more detail below, the output voltage signal Vo is provided to one or more control electronics which are configured to calculate, or determine, the force applied to the load cell <NUM> based on the output voltage signal Vo.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a control system <NUM> for the load cell <NUM> according to some aspects. The control system <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> that is electrically and/or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the load cell <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> is connected to the strain gauges 130A-130D, a communication circuit <NUM>, an external indicator <NUM>, and/or a sensor <NUM> that is configured to sense an orientation, or inclination, and/or an acceleration of the load cell <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, a signal conditioning circuit <NUM> and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter <NUM> are shown to be electrically connected between the strain gauges 130A-130D and the controller <NUM>. The signal conditioning circuit <NUM> is configured to amplify and/or otherwise modify the electrical signal(s) generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D (e.g., the output voltage signal Vo) before the electrical signals are processed by the controller <NUM>. Similarly, the A/D converter <NUM> is configured to convert the analog electrical signal(s) generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D into digital signal(s) that are used by the controller <NUM> to determine a weight of an object. In some instances, the signal conditioning circuit <NUM> and/or the A/D converter <NUM> are integrated as one or more components included in the controller <NUM>.

In some instances, one or more of the components included in the control system <NUM>, such as the controller <NUM> and the sensor <NUM>, are connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the PCB <NUM> is sized and shaped to be embedded within, or otherwise coupled, to the body <NUM> of the load cell <NUM>. In some instances, the PCB <NUM> is received by a slot or a cavity formed within the body <NUM> such that the PCB <NUM> and the components connected thereto are embedded within the body <NUM> (not shown). In other instances, the PCB <NUM> is coupled to an exterior surface of the load cell's body <NUM>.

In some instances, one or more of the components included in the control system <NUM> are individually embedded in, or otherwise coupled to, the load cell's body <NUM>. For example, in some instances, the sensor <NUM> is embedded within the body <NUM> of the load cell <NUM> without being connected to a PCB. In such instances, the sensor <NUM> may be positioned within a slot, a cavity, or some other feature formed within the body <NUM> (not shown). As another example, in some instances, the controller <NUM> may be embedded within the body <NUM> of the load cell <NUM> without being connected to a PCB. In such instances, the sensor <NUM> may be positioned within a slot, a cavity, or some other feature formed within the body <NUM> (not shown). In some instances, the external indicator <NUM> may be coupled to the load cell's body <NUM> such that the external indicator <NUM> is visible to a person looking at the load cell <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and/or protection to the components and modules within the controller <NUM> and/or the load cell <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> includes, among other things, an electronic processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Various non-transitory computer readable media, for example, magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory may be used. The electronic processor <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the memory <NUM> and executes software instructions that are stored in the memory <NUM>, or stored in another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. The software may include one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. For example, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the electronic processor <NUM>, are used to calculate the weight of an object based on the electrical signal(s) generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D. As another example, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the electronic processor <NUM>, are used to determine whether the load cell <NUM> is mispositioned and/or has an issue to be corrected (e.g., maintenance is recommended) based on the signal(s) generated by the sensor <NUM>. In some instances, the memory <NUM> is configured to store a log of position related data associated with the load cell <NUM> (e.g., inclination, acceleration, etc.).

The communication circuit <NUM> enables the load cell <NUM> to communicate with one or more external devices, such as but not limited to a junction box, a computer, and/or a smartphone. In some instances, the communication circuit <NUM> is configured to communicate with the one or more external devices using a wired connection. In some instances, the communication circuit <NUM> configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more external devices (e.g., a junction box, a computer, a smartphone, etc.) using radio-frequency (RF) based communication. For example, in such instances, the communication circuit <NUM> is configured to transmit signals to one or more external devices using a short-range radio communication protocol such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, NFC, ZigBee, and etc. As will be described in more detail below, in some instances, the communication circuit <NUM> transmits signals indicative of a detected impact to the load cell <NUM>, an issue of the load cell <NUM>, and/or optionally a static inclination of the load cell <NUM> to the one or more external devices.

The external indicator <NUM> is configured to display a condition of, or information associated with, the load cell <NUM>. For example, the external indicator <NUM> is configured to alert a user to a change in the position of the load cell <NUM> (e.g., when the load cell <NUM> improperly oriented). As another example, the external indicator <NUM> is configured to alert a user to the occurrence of a high impact collision with the load cell <NUM> (e.g., when the load cell <NUM> is struck by a machine, such as a forklift). As another example, the external indicator <NUM> is configured to alert a user that an issue is occurring with the load cell <NUM> and maintenance of the load cell <NUM> is recommended. In some instances, the external indicator <NUM> is implemented as one or more lights, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some instances, the external indicator <NUM> includes elements (e.g., a speaker) that convey information to a user through audible or tactile outputs.

The sensor <NUM> is configured to sense an orientation, or inclination, of the load cell <NUM> along one or more axes. In addition, the sensor <NUM> is configured to detect an acceleration of the load cell <NUM> along one or more axes. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sensor <NUM> included in the load cell <NUM> according to some aspects. In the illustrated example, the sensor <NUM> is implemented as <NUM>-degrees of freedom (<NUM>-DOF) sensor that includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope. As shown, the sensor <NUM> is configured to sense an acceleration along one or more of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. Furthermore, as shown, the sensor <NUM> is also configured to sense an inclination of the load cell <NUM> with respect to one or more of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. In some instances, the sensor <NUM> is implemented as a <NUM>-degrees of freedom (<NUM>-DOF) sensor, which includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer (e.g., a compass). In some instances, the sensor <NUM> is implemented as an accelerometer. In some instances, the sensor <NUM> is implemented as a gyroscope. In some instances, the sensor <NUM> is implemented as a different type of sensor.

<FIG> illustrates an example weighing installation <NUM> that uses the load cell <NUM> to weigh objects, such as an object <NUM>. It should be understood that the weighing installation <NUM> is provided merely as an example and does not limit the implementation of the load cell <NUM> in any way. For example, it should be understood that the load cell <NUM> may be implemented in a weighing installation that is different than the illustrated weighing installation <NUM>. Furthermore, it should be understood that the load cell <NUM> may be implemented in an application that is different than a weighing application. For example, the load cell <NUM> may be implemented in an application for measuring a downward force, an upward force, and/or a sideward force applied by an object. In some instances, more than one load cell <NUM> is implemented in a weighing installation.

Referring back to <FIG>, the weighing installation <NUM> includes, among other things, the load cell <NUM>, a support structure <NUM>, and/or a weighing surface <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the load cell <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the support structure <NUM> such that the first end <NUM> of the load cell <NUM> extends outward from the support structure <NUM>. The weighing surface <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to and supported by the first end <NUM> of the of the load cell <NUM>. When an object <NUM> is placed on the weighing surface <NUM>, the object <NUM> applies a downward force <NUM> onto the first end <NUM> of the load cell <NUM>. As described above, the strain gauges 130A-130D generate an electrical signal (e.g., the output voltage signal Vo) that is proportional to the downward force <NUM> applied by the object, and correspondingly, the controller <NUM> determines the weight of the object <NUM> based on the electrical signal generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D.

When the load cell <NUM> is properly installed in the weighing installation <NUM> (e.g., the inclination of the load cell <NUM> is within a target band), the load cell <NUM> produces accurate weight measurements. That is, when the inclination of the load cell <NUM> is within an acceptable, or target, threshold and the load cell <NUM> is properly positioned, the controller <NUM> is able to accurately determine the weight of the object <NUM> based on the electrical signal(s) generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D. However, the accuracy of weight measurements recorded by the load cell <NUM> decreases when the load cell <NUM> becomes mispositioned, when the inclination of the load cell <NUM> is outside of the target threshold, and/or when the load cell <NUM> becomes misaligned.

For example, the load cell <NUM> may become mispositioned when a machine, such as a forklift, collides with, or otherwise impacts, the weighing installation <NUM>. Since the strain gauges 130A-130D are configured to measure force applied to the load cell <NUM> in only one direction, a transverse mechanical force applied by a machine to the load cell <NUM> along one or more of the axes that are not measured by the strain gauges 130A-130D may go undetected. Thus, in some instances, a mispositioned load cell <NUM> operates with decreased accuracy when collisions between a machine and the load cell <NUM> and/or the weighing installation <NUM> go undetected. Accordingly, to prevent inaccurate operation of a mispositioned load cell <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine whether the load cell <NUM> is properly positioned based on signals received form the sensor <NUM>.

In some instances, the controller <NUM> is configured to detect when a large mechanical force is applied to the load cell <NUM> along one or more axes based on signals received from the sensor <NUM>. For example, in operation, the sensor <NUM> measures acceleration of the load cell <NUM> along the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis, and correspondingly, transmits signals indicative of the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> along the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis to the controller <NUM>. When a large force is applied to the load cell <NUM> and/or the weighing installation <NUM> in which the load cell <NUM> is installed (e.g., a forklift collides with the load cell <NUM>, a large object is dropped on the weighing installation <NUM>, etc.), the sensor <NUM> senses an increase in acceleration along one or more of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> determines that a large force has been applied to the load cell <NUM> by detecting increased acceleration values included in the signals received from the sensor <NUM>.

In some instances, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine whether the acceleration value(s) included in signals received from the sensor <NUM> (e.g., the acceleration of the load cell <NUM>) exceed a threshold value. When the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value, the controller <NUM> determines that an impact has occurred and the load cell <NUM> may be mispositioned. Accordingly, in some instances, the controller <NUM> transmits, by the communication circuit <NUM>, a message to one or more external devices that indicates the load cell <NUM> and/or the weighing installation <NUM> in which the load cell <NUM> is implemented has been impacted when the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> transmits (e.g., outputs), by the communication circuit <NUM>, a message to one or more external devices that indicates an issue of the load cell <NUM> and that maintenance is recommended when the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> activates the external indicator <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value. For example, in some instances, the controller <NUM> illuminates an LED included in the external indicator <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> logs a high impact event in the memory <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the acceleration of the load cell <NUM> exceeds the threshold value.

The controller <NUM> can be further configured to determine a static inclination of the load cell <NUM> along one or more axes based on signals received from the sensor <NUM>. The static inclination may be determined, for example, based on signals generated by the sensor <NUM> that are indicative of an amount rotation about one or more of the x-axis, the y-axis, and/or the z-axis. In some instances, the controller <NUM> determines whether the static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is within a target threshold based on one or more signals received from the sensor <NUM>. For example, when the load cell <NUM> is installed in a weighing installation (e.g., the weighing installation <NUM>), a target inclination value associated with a properly installed load cell <NUM> may be determined and stored in the memory <NUM> of controller <NUM>. Accordingly, in such an example, the controller <NUM> determines whether the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is within a target threshold of the target inclination value associated with the properly installed load cell <NUM>. In some instances, the controller <NUM> determines whether a percentage difference between the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> along one or more axes and the target inclination value exceeds a threshold (e.g., +/- <NUM>%).

In some instances, the controller <NUM> transmits, by the communication circuit <NUM>, a message to one or more external devices that indicates the load cell <NUM> is mispositioned when the controller <NUM> determines that the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is not within a target threshold of the target inclination value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> transmits, by the communication circuit <NUM>, a message to one or more external devices that indicates an issue of the load cell <NUM> and that maintenance is recommended when the controller <NUM> determines that the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is not within a target threshold of the target inclination value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> activates the external indicator <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is not within a target threshold of the target inclination value. For example, in some instances, the controller <NUM> illuminates an LED included in the external indicator <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the current inclination of the load cell <NUM> is not within a target threshold of the target inclination value. In some instances, the controller <NUM> logs a high impact event in the memory <NUM> when the controller <NUM> determines that the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> is not within a target threshold of the target inclination value.

In some instances, the controller <NUM> normalizes weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> based on the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM>. That is, in some instances, the controller <NUM> factors in the current static inclination of the load cell <NUM> when determining the weight of an object being measured by the load cell <NUM> based on the electrical signal generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D. For example, the controller <NUM> normalizes, or compensates, electrical signals generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D based on current static inclination of the load cell <NUM>.

In some instances, predictive, or preventative, maintenance is performed on the load cell <NUM> based on measurements taken by the sensor <NUM>. For example, in some instances, the controller <NUM> maintains a log of static inclination values of the load cell <NUM> over time in the memory <NUM>. In such instances, the controller <NUM> may be configured to determine when an issue has occurred with the load cell <NUM> and maintenance will be recommended based on a change in the static inclination of the load cell <NUM> over time. For example, the controller <NUM> predicts a time or date by which an issue will occur with the load cell <NUM> and maintenance will be recommended based on a detected change in the static inclination values stored in the memory <NUM>. In some instances, the controller <NUM> transmits, by the communication circuit <NUM>, the log of static inclination values to one or more external devices. In such instances, a user of the external device determines whether an issue has occurred with the load cell <NUM> and maintenance is recommended based on the static inclination values of the load cell <NUM> stored in the log.

In some instances, the controller <NUM> is configured to compensate weight measurements recorded by the load cell <NUM> based on dynamic movements of the weighing installation <NUM> in which the load cell <NUM> is implemented. For example, in some instances, the load cell <NUM> is included in a weighing installation that is located on a boat. In such instances, waves cause movement of the boat, and correspondingly, movement the weighing installation that may result in the load cell <NUM> producing inaccurate weight measurements. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> compensates, or normalizes, the weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> with acceleration measurements taken by the sensor <NUM> while the boat moves. As another example, in some instances, dynamic movements of the weighing installation <NUM> in which the load cell <NUM> is implemented include vibrations occurring within the weighing installation <NUM>. Accordingly, in such instances, the controller <NUM> compensates, or normalizes, weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> based on the vibrations detected by the sensor <NUM>.

In some instances, the controller <NUM> is configured to normalize weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> with respect to Earth's gravity. As Earth's gravity is not constant, accuracy of the load cell <NUM> may vary as the altitude of the load cell <NUM> changes. Accordingly, for instances in which the load cell <NUM> is implemented in a weighing installation that is located at a relatively high altitude, the controller <NUM> normalizes weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> with respect to gravitational acceleration measurements recorded by the sensor <NUM>. In some instances, the latitude, longitude, and/or altitude of the load cell <NUM> are provided to the controller <NUM> (e.g., via the communication circuit <NUM>) and the controller <NUM> normalizes weight measurements produced by the load cell <NUM> with respect to the latitude, longitude, and/or altitude of the load cell <NUM>. In such instances, a higher degree of accuracy in measuring the weight of an object is achieved.

In some instances, one or more of the above-described functions of the controller <NUM> are performed external to the load cell <NUM>. For example, in some instances, the controller <NUM>, the communication circuit <NUM>, and/or the external indicator <NUM> are included in a junction box, such as the junction box <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, that is electrically connected to the load cell <NUM>. In such instances, electrical signals generated by the strain gauges 130A-130D and/or the sensor <NUM> are transmitted to the controller <NUM> by the cable <NUM>. It should be understood that for instances in which the controller <NUM> is located in the junction box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is still configured to perform the weight determination and/or position determination functions described herein with respect to the controller <NUM> that is embedded in the load cell's body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A load cell transducer (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more strain gauges (130A-130D) configured to generate a first signal indicative of a force applied to the load cell transducer (<NUM>);
a sensor (<NUM>) configured to generate a second signal indicative of an acceleration and an orientation of the load cell transducer (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) including an electronic processor (<NUM>), the controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the one or more strain gauges (130A-130D) and the sensor (<NUM>), the controller (<NUM>) configured to:
determine a weight of an object based on the first signal;
determine the acceleration of the load cell transducer (<NUM>) based on the second signal;
determine whether the acceleration exceeds a threshold; and
output a message indicating an issue of the load cell transducer (<NUM>), when the acceleration exceeds the threshold.