Inclinometers have virtually infinite resolution

Schaevitz inclinometers are extremely sensitive sensors measuring horizontal and vertical inclination in ranges from +/-1 to +/-90 degrees with resolutions down to 0.1arc-sec.

Schaevitz inclinometers are extremely sensitive sensors measuring horizontal and vertical inclination in ranges from +/-1 to +/-90 degrees with resolutions down to 0.1arc-sec and mechanical shock survival to 1500g.

These sensors have been in use around the world for more than 30 years offering reliable service in military, civil and industrial applications.

Typical applications include borehole alignment, train tilt control, weapon sighting equipment, platform levelling, seismic and civil engineering studies, satellite communications alignment and many other applications requiring precision tilt measurement.

All the inclinometers operate as gravity referenced closed loop torque balance servo systems.

The sensors comprise a torsional flexure suspended moving mass mechanism that is rugged enough to withstand severe levels of mechanical shock and vibration and still maintain excellent precision and accuracy.

As the inclinometer is tilted through an angle along its sensitive axis, the mass moves minutely in the direction of tilt as a result of the force applied to the mass by the normal component of gravitational acceleration.

The change in position of the mass is detected by a position sensor and an error signal produced and fed to a servo amplifier.

The resultant output current from the amplifier is applied to the moving coil, to close the loop, and the mass is moved back toward its original position.

This current, and also the output from the inclinometer, is proportional to the sine of the applied tilt angle.

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