®
2 - A x i s F o r c e P l a t fo r m
H o w It W o r k s
2
How It Works
When an object is placed on the platform, it applies a force normal to the platform's
surface; this force is the object's weight. Because the platform does not move (much),
the force applied by the floor to the platform's feet increases by an amount equal to
the object’s weight. Each of the four feet is connected to a beam with a strain gauge,
through which the platform's electronics measure the force. The platform calculates
and outputs the sum of these four forces. Force is measured in this way even if it is
not constant, for instance, the force applied by a bouncing ball or jumping person.
As well as the sum of the normal forces applied to the four beams, the platform can be
set to output the separate normal force measured by
each
beam. See below for
instructions on making these measurements visible.
Parallel force is measured by a fifth beam attached to the top plate of the platform.
Note the arrow printed on the platform indicating the direction of the parallel axis.
Hardware Setup
On the floor
Place the 2-Axis Force Platform on the floor. It works best on
a hard floor such as tile or wood, rather than carpet, which
would allow the platform to move slightly when you step on
it. If the floor is not perfectly level, adjust the platform's feet
by turning them to make the platform level and stable. The
platform should have all four feet on the floor with nothing
touching the flat bottom surface.
On a Wall
Use the tabs on the side of the platform to hang it from a pair
of bolts or hooks on a wall. Make sure that all four feet are in
stable contact with the wall.
With the Optional Handle Set
Fasten the handles to the threaded brass inserts on the top of
the platform, or remove the feet and fasten the handles to the
bottom of the platform. With the handles, you can hold the
platform against a wall to measure horizontal pushing force. If
you have two platforms with handles (attached to the bottom),
you can demonstrate Newton's third law by pushing the plat-
forms together.
Note that the handles do not connect to the top plate when fas-
tened to the top of the platform; therefore, parallel force
applied to the handles will not be measured. To measure parallel force using the han-
dles, attach them to the bottom of the platform. Hold the handles and press the top
plate against a surface.
Optional handles
attached to bottom of
Force Platform
Turn feet to level Force Platform
Hang the Force Platform using side tabs
Tare button
