The working principle of a tilt sensor depends on the specific type of sensor being used, but most tilt sensors operate based on changes in orientation or the force of gravity. Here are a few examples of how different types of tilt sensors work:
Mercury switch
A mercury switch consists of a glass bulb containing a small amount of mercury and two electrical contacts. When the switch is tilted, the mercury moves and bridges the gap between the contacts, completing the circuit and allowing current to flow.
Ball tilt sensor
A ball tilt sensor consists of a small metal or plastic ball inside a housing with electrical contacts. When the sensor is tilted, the ball rolls and makes contact with the contacts, closing the circuit and allowing current to flow.
MEMS accelerometer
A MEMS accelerometer is a tiny device that measures changes in acceleration in three axes. When the sensor is tilted, the acceleration due to gravity changes, and this change is detected by the accelerometer. The output of the accelerometer can then be used to calculate the angle of tilt.
Liquid bubble level
A liquid bubble level consists of a glass or plastic tube partially filled with liquid and an air bubble. When the sensor is tilted, the bubble moves to the highest point in the tube, indicating the levelness of the surface.
Overall, tilt sensors work by detecting changes in orientation or gravity and converting this information into an electrical output that can be used for various applications.