What is a Inclinometer?

An inclinometer is a device for measuring the angle of inclination. There is a pendulum type that estimates the position by a pendulum, and a float type that measures by the amount of change in the capacitance of the float inside the container filled with fluid and gas. Tiltmeters are not suitable for use in environments with frequent vibrations, as many products do not respond to changes in acceleration. When installing in a car that generates acceleration, it is necessary to use a gyro sensor to ensure horizontal.

Application of Inclinometer

Cutting/construction site
Digital inclinometers are used to accurately measure the angle of the drill at the cutting site. Maintaining accurate angles prevents deviations in the cutting direction and enables safe and efficient work.
At construction sites, it is used to measure the angle of cranes. Accurate angle measurement ensures a safe working environment and allows you to easily measure horizontal and vertical steel frames and piping.

solar panel
It is used to measure the angle of solar panels and track the sun. This allows efficient charging.

Other uses
Digital inclinometers are used for horizontal and vertical adjustment when installing precision machinery, measuring instruments, and distribution boards. It is also used to measure robot arm angles.

In the medical field, it is used to measure the angle of rotating objects in CT and X-ray machines, and to position a patient's bed, helping to determine the exact location of a lesion.

Principle of digital inclinometer

MEMS method
Tilt sensors using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology have electrodes placed inside a sealed chamber. There are fixed electrodes and movable electrodes, and the movable electrodes are supported by springs.
The capacitance when the sensor is horizontal is used as a reference, and when the position of the movable electrode changes due to tilting, the capacitance also changes. Calculate this change as an angle.

Electrolyte method
A tilt sensor using electrolyte technology has two pairs of electrodes attached to the bottom of a chamber, which is filled with an electrolyte. When a voltage is applied, a current flows, and by tilting the chamber, the liquid level changes and the current distribution field also changes.
The conductivity of the electrolyte is constant, and the resistance value fluctuates with changes in the liquid level. The electrolyte method has no moving parts, so it is highly durable, and the electrodes are protected by the electrolyte, so they do not corrode.

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