November 4, 2008 Sensor Products

Press Release          Hi-res          Product

Minneapolis, Minn. - TURCK introduces a new dual axis inclinometer sensor for angular tilt detection. These sensors feature compact rectangular housings, and may be mounted at ±10, ±45, ±60 and ±85 degree angles. Inclinometer sensors may be used in a wide variety of industries to solve unique feedback requirements where the customer needs to level platforms, control tilt angle or control a dancer.

The new TURCK inclinometer measures angular tilt in reference to gravity. At the heart of the TURCK inclinometer is a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) device that incorporates a micro-electro-mechanical capacitive element into the sensor that utilizes two parallel plate electrodes, one stationary and one attached to a spring-mass system. Movement causes acceleration that produces deflection in the non-stationary electrode. This results in a measurable change in the capacitance between the two plates that is proportional to the angle of deflection. These signals are conditioned to provide two analog outputs (0.1 to 4.9 VDC) or two current outputs (4 to 20 mA).

The micro board design in the MEMS technology allows for a compact, precise inclinometer in a very robust, industrialized package. The inclinometer is IP 67 rated, with a temperature range of -30 to 70 C that permits its use in many applications, including:

• Machine engineering: levers, pedals, flaps, mixing machines, hydraulic jacks
• Commercial machines: diggers, cranes, rotary tables, bulldozers, road construction machinery
• Vertical and horizontal drills used in tunnel and road construction and immersion equipment
• Offshore plants: platforms, cranes
• Furniture: hospital beds, dental chairs, fitness machines, wheelchairs
• Conveyors