Comparison of Key Features of Weigh-In-Motion Sensors, Quartz, Plate Type, and Strip Strain Gauge

Comparison of Key Features of Weigh-In-Motion Sensors

Category

Quartz

Plate Type

Strip Strain Gauge

Enviko

Others

Technical Principle

Based on piezoelectric effect, charge output is proportional to force, high-frequency response, wide measurement range, small size, easy installation; no power supply required, excellent lightning protection performance.

Mechanical combined structure, resistance strain principle, sensor deformation under force, causing resistance change, suitable for low-speed or static weighing; requires power supply, poor lightning protection performance.

Resistance strain gauge sensor, mechanical deformation when sensor is subjected to force, reflecting the magnitude of force through deformation, suitable for quasi-static to low-frequency dynamic weighing; requires power supply, poor lightning protection performance.

Measurement Accuracy and Application

Suitable for medium, low, and high speeds (1-200km/h), fast response, almost unaffected by speed. Ideal for high-speed weigh-in-motion (WIM), can also be used for traffic flow surveys and vehicle type classification.

Suitable for low speed (0-40km/h), accuracy decreases when speed exceeds 30km/h.

Suitable for medium and low speeds (1-60km/h), unstable accuracy when speed exceeds 40km/h.

Long-Term Stability

Resistant to high and low temperatures and humidity changes, suitable for complex environments. Stable, no frequent calibration required.

Susceptible to drift, requires regular calibration.

Susceptible to drift, requires regular calibration.

Installation Method

Simple and fast installation, only need to cut a small 50mm*70mm slot, minimal slotting, short construction period, minimal impact on traffic.

Requires digging a 1200mm*800mm foundation pit, significant damage to the road, long construction period, significant impact on traffic. Also need to consider drainage.

Need to cut a  100mm*100mm slot, more complex construction.

Maintenance Cost

Low, stable, no frequent maintenance required for long-term use.

High (requires regular calibration, prone to deformation and corrosion, high maintenance cost).

High (requires regular calibration, prone to deformation and corrosion, high maintenance cost).

Service Life

5 years.
Generally 5 to 7 years, may be shorter in extreme cases (e.g., areas using studded tires), may exceed 10 years in areas with good road conditions.

1-3 years (prone to deformation fatigue).

3-5 years (prone to deformation fatigue).

Driving Experience and Traffic Safety

No impact. Good for safety

Significant physical sensation; large surface area of steel plate, prone to vehicle sideslip in rain and snow.

No impact. Good for safety

Cost

Cheaper overall installation.
Reasonable  sensors price, high cost-effectiveness

Cheaper overall installation.
Expensive sensors( poor cost-effectiveness),

Cheaper sensors themselves, more expensive overall installation.

Medium cost.

Consistency Between Sensors

Each sensor's sensitivity parameter (pC/N) is controlled within the range of -1.8 to -2.1, demonstrating better consistency in precision.

Each sensor's sensitivity parameter (pC/N) is controlled within the range of 1.7 (±12%), showing excessive fluctuation and poorer consistency in precision.

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Sensor signal polarity

Both positive and negative signals are supported. Polarity can be customized based on customer requirements for greater adaptability.

Negative signal

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