Simple Tilt Sensor Switch Circuit

A simple tilt sensor switch circuit regulates the ON/OFF state of another component, such as an LED or buzzer using a tilt sensor.

In this project, a tilt sensor is used in a circuit as a miniature seesaw switch.

Assume there is a metal ball within the tilt sensor.

The ball slides down and makes contact with two contacts when the sensor is erect, which opens the circuit to electrical current.

However, the ball slides away from the contacts as you tilt the sensor, damming the current.

In this manner, the sensors tilt or uprightness is detected by the circuit.

How Mercury Tilt Switch Works:

This project will look into the use of a tilt sensor, a tool that detects the inclined or tilt of a circuit.

A rolling ball like free moving weight is housed inside the tilt sensor.

The ball lands on a designated plate when the sensor is vertical making a connection similar to a miniature bridge that allows electricity to pass across the circuit.

Two locations at the sensors ends are connected in this way.

However, the ball rolls away from the plate when the sensor is tilted, severing the connection and cutting off the flow of energy.

Accordingly, the tilt sensor functions as an ON/OFF switch based on its angle.

This concept allows us to construct a circuit that functions as follows:

The tilt sensor permits current to flow and powers a device when the circuit is in an upright position.

However, if the gadget is tilted the power stops flowing and the connection breaks turning the gadget off.

This is especially helpful for appliances that have the potential to tip over and cause harm.

A heater is a nice illustration.

Heaters have a high point of heat and might catch fire if they topple over.

The last thing we want is for the heater to tilt!

We may program the circuit to automatically turn off the heater in the event that it is bumped or toppled over by utilizing a tilt sensor.

While tilt sensors are a basic and practical solution, there are alternative techniques to implement safety shutoffs for slanted circuits.

Although a tilt sensor is frequently referred to as a poor mans accelerometer, it is actually much more than that.

While they both measure tilt, a tilt sensor is self contained and does not require a computer to interpret its data.

Similar to a basic ON/OFF switch for the circuit, that is.

A computer is required to analyze the information from an accelerometer because it is a more complicated device.

Thus, a tilt sensor provides simple ON/OFF information but since it does not require further processing, it is easy to use.

It is not a subpar accelerometer rather it is a more basic tool for particular tasks.

Tilt Sensor Circuit Working:

Part List:

Above is a simple circuit that makes use of a tilt sensor:

This tilt sensor circuit is quite simple to understand below are the circuit working:

The tiny metal ball slides down and comes into contact with an inside place like a tiny ON/OFF switch when the gadget is plugged in and upright.

This opens the circuit to electrical current, which illuminates the LED.

However, if you tilt the gadget the ball moves away from that location severing the connection and cutting off the energy.

Consequently, the LED functions as a tiny flashlight that only illuminates while the gadget is upright.

Formulas and Calculations:

Above is a simple circuit layout with the general formula for a Tilt Sensor Switch Circuit made with the parts mentioned:

Resistor R:

Using ohms law, calculate the resistor value R required to bring the LEDs current ILED down to a safe level:

R = V_supply​−V_LED​​ / I_LED​

where,

• The supply voltage 3V in this instance, is represented as Vsupply.
• The forward voltage drop of an LED is represented by VLED, which is usually around 2V for a normal LED.
• The intended LED current (20mA) is represented by ILED.

Substitute the values:

R = 3V−2V / 20mA = 1V / 0.02A = 50ΩR

However, 470Ω is frequently used as a standard value resistor, and it will also function to keep the LEDs current limited to a safe level.

For correct functioning, make sure the tilt sensor and LED are positioned in the circuit with the anode facing positive voltage and the cathode facing ground.

To get the required brightness out of the LED and to make sure it stays within its safe current rating, adjust the resistor value as needed.

How to Build Tilt Sensor Circuit:

To build a simple Simple Tilt Sensor Switch Circuit follow the below mentioned steps:

Gather the components as mentioned in the above tilt sensor circuit.

• Connect one of the legs of the tilt sensor to +3V battery and connect the other leg to resistor 470 ohms.
• Connect the other end of the 470 ohms resistor to the anode of Red LED.
• Connect the cathode of the Red LED to negative of the battery.

Safety Measures:

• Consider the tilt sensitivity of the sensor you have selected.
• You may want a different sensor if the tilt angle required for activation in your project must be extremely accurate.
• Remember that these are only suggestions, for a more thorough grasp of safety precautions, it is crucial to review the datasheets of the particular components you are working with as well as more general electronics safety information.

Conclusion:

This simple tilt sensor switch circuit, main component is a tilt sensor.

When tilted, it functions as a switch cutting electricity.

This is helpful for items like heaters that may catch fire if they were to tip over.

Adding safety shutoffs may be done easily using tilt sensors!

References:

Mercury switch