A basic tilt sensor, also known as a tilt switch or tilt sensor switch, is a simple electronic device used to detect changes in orientation or tilting. It is designed to detect when the sensor's orientation crosses a certain threshold, usually from horizontal to vertical or vice versa. There are various types of tilt sensors, but one common type is the mercury tilt switch. Here's a basic explanation of how it works:
Construction: A mercury tilt switch consists of a small glass tube partially filled with mercury (a liquid metal) and two or more metal contacts located at different heights inside the tube. The tube is sealed to prevent the mercury from leaking.
Gravity-based principle: The functioning of the tilt switch is based on the effect of gravity on the position of the mercury inside the tube. When the sensor is in a horizontal position, the mercury will pool at the bottom of the tube, away from the contacts.
Tilt detection: When the sensor is tilted to a certain angle, the mercury will flow toward one or more of the metal contacts, bridging the gap between them.
Electrical connection: When the mercury contacts the metal contacts, it completes an electrical circuit, allowing current to flow through the switch.
Output signal: This completion of the circuit indicates a change in orientation, and the tilt switch can be connected to other electronic devices to trigger specific actions or events. For example, it can be used to turn on or off lights, activate alarms, or control the movement of robotic devices.
It's essential to note that mercury tilt switches have certain drawbacks, mainly due to the environmental concerns associated with the use of mercury, as it is a toxic substance. Due to this, other non-toxic alternatives, such as ball tilt switches or MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) tilt sensors, have become more popular for many applications. These alternatives work on similar principles, where the position of a small metal ball or other conducting element changes with tilt, completing or breaking an electrical circuit to indicate the change in orientation.