Thursday 3 September 2015

Understanding The Basics About A Slope Indicator

Posted by Unknown at 13:08
By Kenya England


Gradiometer is a piece of instrument used for the measurement of angle of depression, tilt, or elevation. All angles are measured in respect to gravity. Slope indicator is also known by several other names including level meter, inclinometer, clinometer, gradient meter, gradiometer, roll indicator, and declinometer among many others. Units of measurement used in the instrument are percentage, degrees, and topos.

Declinometers are used for the measurement of both positive and negative angles from a given mean point. Before the beginning of renaissance, a certain type of inclinometer was in use for navigation and location of astronomical objects. That kind of clinometer was referred to as an astrolabe. The use of astrolabes has since reduced and they are currently rarely used.

The first clinometer was used several years ago, and they are still in use up to today. They had few uses back in the day and they were used to a limited level. However, their popularity was increased by advancements in technology. Consequently, the number of uses also grew fast. Ancient models incorporated simple designs and were only capable of performing a single function. That has changed over time as more functions are incorporated and sophistication improved.

Advancements in technology are the main cause for the increase sophistication in modern devices. They have become much easier to construct because of technology. In addition, the number of devices whose proper functioning is dependent on inclinometers has also grown. Availability and sophistication of the device have also increased due to an increase in the number of manufacturers worldwide.

The uses of tilt indicators are many and they are in several fields of work. Electrolytic, accelerometer, and pendulums are some of the main implementations of tilt indicators. Major applications include cameras, specialty switches, aircraft flight control, automobile security systems, platform leveling, and boom angle indication. The principle on which the functioning of the device bases on is very simple and simply involves generation of an artificial horizon. The angular tilt is then generated basing on that horizon.

The device can be used for several functions today. Some of the major functions include alerting a system operator that it may tip off, surveying, indicating deviation from horizontal or vertical, and in safety systems in some automobiles among others. Like stated earlier, the applications have grown and uses are in all industries.

Accuracy of an inclinometer is a very important aspect of the device. Accuracy varies depending on many factors including technology used, model, temperature, sensitivity, sensor linearity, zero offset, and repeatability among many others. Usually the aforementioned factors occur in combination to affect accuracy. Digital models are more accurate that their analogue counterparts. Digital devices have very high levels of accuracy, sometimes rising as high as 0.0001 degrees.

Accuracy and general functioning is also dependent on the casing in which the device is placed. Some casings are known to affect the level of accuracy a lot and should be avoided. Placing the device inside a casing also increases durability because modern casings are made of very strong materials.




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