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By Dez Duran-Lamanilao

Mobile machinery or mobile equipment, require industrial sensors that can withstand the test of time and abuse caused by various factors, including shock and vibration, extreme temperatures, and corrosive substances or chemicals. A truck-mounted crane for example, can perform better if equipped with magnetic sensor for hydraulic cylinder, capacitive joystick sensor for revolution speed control or inclination sensor for tilt monitoring. For now, we will focus on inclination sensors, more commonly known as tilt sensors or inclinometers, for mobile equipment.

Image source: Pepperl+Fuchs

Companies use mobile equipment for various operations such as road construction, digging, scraping, or lifting bulky and heavy items, including compressors, generators, and pumps. They are mostly used away from public roads and are not self-propelled; otherwise they are considered autos. Inclination sensors can offer a simple way to monitor the angles of stationary and moving objects. Since they are easy to install, they are suitable for various types of automation applications, such as elevators, scissor lifts, construction machinery, and commercial vehicles and mobile equipment.

Benefits of Using Inclination Sensors

 Inclination sensors are an additional feature that engineers should keep in mind when developing heavy, mobile equipment. Some of the key advantages include:

• Guide workers operating the equipment into safe locations
• Keep the equipment from tipping over during use
• Maintain the equipment’s functionality at an optimum level despite vibrations and shocks
• Measurement range can be customized to meet any equipment requirement.
• Can resist high-frequency broadband disturbances
• With the right MEMS (microelectricalmechanical systems) technology, can be highly precise and reliable

Finding the right inclination sensor for your equipment requires careful planning. Make sure to determine the main criteria that you want your sensor to meet. Compare products and their features, with specific focus on the sensor type, number of axis the sensor needs, output and measuring range. For your mobile equipment requirements, contact Gulf Coast Air & Hydraulics and ask about custom packages that are designed and manufactured according to your specifications.