Understanding The Basics About A Slope Indicator

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.

The current sophistication in modern devices can be attributed to advancements in technology. Technology makes their construction much easier. Additionally, there are several kinds of technology-based devices that are being invented that rely on inclinometers for proper functioning. The number of manufacturers has increased which has contributed to increase in the level of sophistication of the devices as well their availability.

Tilt indicators find many different uses in many fields of work. Examples of major implementations of the gadget include pendulums, electrolytic among, and accelerometer many others. Areas of use are also many and they include aircraft flight control, boom angle indication, cameras, specialty switches, automobile security systems, and platform leveling. The functioning of the device is based on a simple principle, that is, generation of an artificial horizon. All angles are then measured in respect to that artificial horizon.

The functions of current gadgets are diverse. Main functions include notifying system operators when a system is about to tip, showing deviation from horizontal or vertical, and in safety systems in vehicles. The device is also used in surveying too. Uses are in all industries and they continue to grow everyday.

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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