Speedometer - definition
Speedometer - definition
Speedometer is a measuring instrument used to directly determine the speed of movement of a body relative to a specific reference system, most commonly in the context of motor vehicles, aircraft, vessels or machine components. Depending on their application, speedometers differ in their operating principle, design and method of presenting the measurement result. Classically, they measure the value of linear velocity, although there may also be versions that record angular velocity.
Mechanical, electromagnetic or electronic speedometers are most commonly used on road vehicles. Mechanical speedometers work by transmitting rotation from the vehicle's drive train to the pointer mechanism via a flexible shaft. In this system, a rotating magnet plays a key role, inducing torque in the aluminium drum, causing the pointer to swing in proportion to the speed. More modern versions use Hall Sensors or pulse transducers, which convert the rotational signals into a digital signal interpreted by a microprocessor.
In laboratory and industrial measurements, speedometers can use optical, radar, Ultrasonic Sensors or laser sensors, depending on the accuracy requirements, operating environment and type of object. In aviation, pressure speedometers are widely used, using the difference in dynamic and static pressure to determine velocity relative to air.
Accurate velocity measurements are essential in motion diagnostics, Automation, control and safety systems. Speedometers can be part of larger measurement systems such as data loggers, traction controllers or positioning systems, where the speed reading is processed in real time for further control or alarm actions.
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