Inclinometers, also called tilt sensors, are intended to measure the angle between an object and gravitational force.
These tilt or level sensors determine the pitch angle (oscillation of the nose and tail around the central axis) and / or roll (oscillation of the flanks around the main steering axis) via the appropriate electrical interface. Inclinometers are easy to integrate into an application as they do not require any mechanical connection other than the installation itself, which is a real advantage for design engineers.
POSITAL has developed several types of inclinometers intended to offer a suitable solution for various applications in each industrial sector. Accurate measurement of the degree of tilting (or tilting) from a horizontal position is of great importance for many motion control systems or for ensuring safety.
These sensors have various fields of application, some of which have aggressive environmental characteristics. POSITAL has therefore developed a range of inclinometers specifically adapted to hostile environments.
- Protection class up to IP69K.
- Solid and compact design
- Measuring range ± 80 ° (biaxis) or 360 ° (uniaxis)
Dynamic inclinometers
Most inclinometers are considered static: it takes several seconds for them to provide an accurate measurement. This obviously represents a significant waste of time.
POSITAL therefore offers so-called “dynamic” inclinometers. They are equipped with a 3D MEMS accelerometer and a 3D MEMS gyroscope. An intelligent algorithm combines the signals from the accelerometer and the gyroscope to eliminate the effect of accelerations (e.g. due to rapid movement of equipment), vibrations and shocks.
- Compensation for external accelerations.
- Own measurements during dynamic movements.
- Accuracy of 0.3 °
- Interfaces: CANopen
Static inclinometers
These inclinometers are equipped with a 2D MEMS accelerometer serving as a sensor cell. This type of inclinometer allows high precision to be achieved in a static system, or when the machine only performs slow movements.
- Accuracy of 0.1 ° or 0.5 °
- Interfaces: CANopen, analog current, analog voltage, RS232, SSI, J1939, DeviceNet.
Installation and mounting options
Depending on the application and the machine, it may be necessary to mount the inclinometer horizontally to monitor the tilt angle of two axes or to install the sensor vertically to measure one axis.
A dual axis sensor used in horizontal mounting will be ideal for level control applications. This version is equipped with two outputs, one for the X axis and the other for the Y axis. Each axis indicates the tilt angle with respect to the gravitational force.
A single-axis tilt measurement version with one outlet, intended for vertical mounting.
What are inclinometers used for?
Inclinometers provide an easy and efficient way to monitor spatial orientation without the need for mechanical linkages, which is a real advantage for design engineers.
Static inclinometers can significantly improve the operational safety of mobile machinery, platform monitors or medical applications by continuously monitoring the tilt or tilt angle. Inclinometers are much easier to install than rotary encoders, making them ideal for applications such as solar tracking.
A dynamic inclinometer produces a clean measuring signal and can be used reliably on mobile equipment such as construction machinery, mining equipment, cranes, agricultural machinery or any other location where movement, shock and vibration may occur suddenly.
