A basic tilt sensor, also known as a tilt switch or tilt sensor switch, is a simple device that can detect changes in orientation or tilt. It consists of a small enclosure with a conductive component (e.g., a metal ball) suspended inside. The enclosure is often a small tube or a flat package, and it can be mounted on a circuit board or other surfaces.
The working principle of a basic tilt sensor is based on the movement of the conductive component inside the enclosure. The component is free to move due to gravity, and its position changes depending on the sensor's orientation.
When the sensor is at rest or positioned horizontally (no tilt), the conductive component rests in a specific position, often at the center of the enclosure or in a neutral position. In this state, the electrical circuit within the sensor is open, meaning no electrical current can flow.
However, when the sensor is tilted in any direction, the conductive component moves under the influence of gravity, causing it to make contact with one or more electrical contacts or terminals inside the enclosure. This contact completes the electrical circuit, allowing current to flow through the switch.
The change in the electrical state can then be detected by an external electronic circuit or microcontroller, which can interpret the tilt sensor's output to determine the direction and angle of tilt.
In summary, a basic tilt sensor detects changes in orientation by using the movement of a conductive component inside the sensor enclosure. When the sensor is tilted, the conductive component makes contact with internal terminals, closing the circuit and indicating the change in orientation.