Sensors play a vital role in modern life, and many applications are built upon them. To enhance understanding of sensors, this article will introduce the accuracy and applications of tilt sensors. If you are interested in sensors and tilt sensors, please continue reading.
I. What does accuracy refer to in tilt sensors?
Inclinometers, also known as tilt meters, level meters, or inclinometers, are frequently used to measure changes in the horizontal angle of a system. The evolution of levels from simple bubble levels to electronic levels is a result of advancements in automation and electronic measurement technology. As a testing tool, it has become an indispensable instrument in fields such as bridge construction, railway laying, civil engineering, oil drilling, aviation and marine engineering, industrial automation, intelligent platforms, and machining. Electronic levels are highly accurate tools for measuring small angles; they can measure the inclination of a plane relative to the horizontal, as well as the parallelism and perpendicularity of two components.
As tilt sensor technology continues to advance, the accuracy of tilt sensors is also decreasing. When purchasing tilt sensors, we inevitably have to ask: what exactly does tilt sensor accuracy mean? Does this mean we should always buy tilt sensors with relatively low accuracy?
The accuracy of a tilt sensor refers to the mean square error between the actual angle and the angle measured by the sensor over multiple measurements (≥16 times). When purchasing a tilt sensor, it's not necessary to buy one with relatively low accuracy. Instead, you should determine the required accuracy based on your specific needs before making a purchase.
The measurement accuracy of tilt sensors is closely related to the following indicators:
1. Sensitivity error – This depends on the inherent characteristics of the core sensing element, but is also related to the frequency response, also known as amplitude-frequency characteristic. Actual testing has shown that its impact on sensitivity is very small and can be ignored.
2. Zero-point offset – This depends on the inherent characteristics of the core sensing device. It refers to the sensor's output angle when there is no angular input (e.g., on an absolutely horizontal surface). This actual output angle value is the zero-point offset. This indicator has nothing to do with whether the sensor can be zeroed.
3. Nonlinearity – This can be corrected later, depending on the number of correction points. More correction points result in better nonlinearity.
The lifespan of tilt sensors is generally relatively short, which is related to their operating environment. Therefore, when using tilt sensors, it is important to protect them in harsh environments. This is especially crucial for mechanical and automotive applications, where frequent sensor inspection and replacement are essential. High temperatures and prolonged operation are detrimental to the lifespan of tilt sensors.
II. Applications of Tilt Sensors
1. Roll induction
Tilt sensors can be used to warn of construction equipment tipping over or overturning, and to alert vehicles on rough, off-road terrain. Most of these sensors use mercury, although mercury-free types also exist, but few can perfectly perform their function due to false tripping caused by impacts and vibrations.
2. Car use
Tilt sensors (mercury switches) were used in automotive lighting control (e.g., trunk lid light control) and anti-lock braking systems. However, this use was discontinued in 2003 to avoid the environmental impact of mercury leaked from scrapped vehicles.
3 Fall alarm
Tilt sensors can be used when working in confined spaces (such as welding machines or tanks) with special occupational safety requirements. If a worker falls, the tilt sensor will sound an alarm.
4. Attitude and bearing navigation system
Electronic attitude indicators typically use a tilt sensor (mercury switch) to keep the gyroscope axis vertical. When the gyroscope is vertical, the tilt sensor triggers a torque motor to return the gyroscope to the correct position.
5. Pressure switch
Pressure switches can be made using Bourdon tube pressure switches and tilt sensors. These types of switches utilize the minute force generated by the tube to control their operation.
6. Vending machines
Tilt sensors are used in mechanical systems to control the physical orientation of electric actuators. They are also commonly used in vending machines' tilt alarms. When someone attempts to shake or tilt the machine to obtain goods, the tilt sensor is activated, triggering an alarm.
