This type of inclination sensor is mainly used in static or quasi-static applications.
These include a variety of stationary applications, such as the support of a scissor lift. Such machines require high static accuracy, however, the sensor is subject to minimal vibration.
In applications where diffuse, external accelerations are more frequent, software filters can be used to smoothen the sensor signal.
Digital filters for such sensors are usually “moving average” filters. The downside is that while the values appear much more stable, the reaction time of the sensor is affected.
In extreme cases, a trade-off between stability and response time must be found.
Often the horizontal alignment of machines or machine parts is an important requirement for reliable operation. Inclination sensors based on the static measurement principle are designed for angular position detection or levelling of stationary mobile machinery.
They are commonly used for position detection on working platforms or levelling of mobile cranes or excavators. Industrial applications include solar panel tracking systems.
In static applications with strong shock and vibration, software filtering or damping of the measurement signal might not be sufficient.
In addition, a compromise between signal stability and response time is often not possible due to the application.
Moreover, accelerations of vehicles at the moment of starting and braking can have a substantial effect on the measurement result, as a static inclination sensor cannot distinguish between the actual acceleration, the gravitational force of the earth (reference) and external acceleration caused by the above-mentioned effects.
This deviation depends on the strength of the respective acceleration and the speed.
For such applications, acceleration-compensated (dynamic) inclination sensors are recommended. They are based on an advanced technology of the previous quasi-static inclination sensors.