Application Note
10 Most Diverse Vehicle Applications
10 Most Diverse Vehicle Applications
The reliability and durability offered by the non-contact, solid state sensors from Gill mean that they are frequently specified for a broad range of transport applications where their core attributes meet the needs and demands of this diverse market.
Here are some examples of where Gill liquid level and position sensors have been used;
1. Pfitzner Performance Gearboxes. The leading performance gearbox manufacturer selected the 360° rotary sensor for accurate measurement of the gearshift barrel position in a new six-speed sequential gearbox. The unique two-part, magnet-free design meant that the sensor, located inside the gearbox, provided greater reliability by removing conflict with other mechanisms and not attracting any stray metallic particles.
2. Flying bulls Updating an historic aircraft whilst minimising modifications to the original components is challenging, so when Flying Bulls needed to upgrade the engine oil level sensors they approached Gill because their liquid level sensors would fit within the very restricted installation envelope. Additionally, the reliability that comes with the solid-state device and the ability to interface with the original instrumentation meant the sensor was a perfect fit for their needs.
3. Mongolian Railways. Winter in Mongolia can be quite a bracing affair, with temperatures regularly reaching -40°C. Mongolian Railways needed to replace their unreliable mechanical diesel level sensors, with a sensor that would not only operate at such low temperatures, but would not require re-calibration between summer and winter. Easy retro-fit installation and zero maintenance were also key requirements to ensure maximum availability on their fleet of locomotives.
4. Conway Karts. Whatever level of motorsport you compete at, analysing the performance of the driver is as critical to race success as optimising the race car. Darren Conway introduced a throttle position sensor onto his racing kart and chose the Gill 25mm position sensor. Its higher accuracy made it a better choice than the usual Hall Effect sensor or Potentiometer, plus with no moving parts and no contact between sensor and actuator, it is immune to water and track debris that is prevalent in open kart racing.
5.Humanis Pegase. When you are competing in a 24 hour Class 3 powerboat endurance race, one of the keys to success is accurate fuel level measurement, as running out of fuel will not put you on the winner’s podium. For this reason Humanis Pegase racing team specified a race proven Gill fuel level sensor and display to make sure they could strategically plan their pit stops, giving them a significant advantage over their competitors. Not only did the sensor work uninterrupted, but so did their strategy as they won the race by 30 laps!
6. Paramotors. Running out of fuel is inconvenient at the best of times, but when you are airborne on a paramotor it can be more than inconvenient! With most fuel tanks situated under the engine behind the pilot it is impossible to view the fuel level sight gauge and know how much fuel remains. The extremely lightweight, rigid construction of the Gill fuel level sensor, coupled with a Gill display, provided the answer to this problem providing the accuracy and security to fly further, faster and harder.
7. Industrial Cleaners. It is not only motorsports that need accurate accelerator position measurement. Ride-on commercial cleaning equipment also uses the Gill 25mm position sensor, to provide real time measurement for forward and reverse control. Required to last throughout the lifetime of the equipment with no maintenance needs, the non-contact design of the sensor also provided failure protection against dust, grit and regular jet washing whilst fitting within the confined space envelope.
8. UAV Factory. One of the benefits of UAVs’ is their ability to stay airborne well beyond the limits of a pilot’s bladder. UAV Factory specified a custom micro liquid level sensor from Gill when their ‘Penguin B’ remained in the air for 54.5 hours. Specially designed to be installed through the side of the tank it has an exceptionally low weight of 60g and re-designed miniature electronics. The sensor provided accurate and continuous monitoring of the fuel level, which was also calibrated to provide a true volumetric output from the irregular shaped tank.
9. Griffon Hoverworks. Hovercraft can operate in all regions of the world and as such, can experience high temperature levels. Protecting against electronics failure caused by high under-skirt temperatures was the challenge set by Griffon Hoverworks for their fuel level sensors. With an upper limit of +125°C, Gill designed and developed a new custom sensor to meet these requirements, whilst also being manufactured from marine grade stainless steel with an NMEA2000 compatible output and dual SAE 5-bolt and 1.25” thread mounting options.
10. Doug Shelby Engineering. American IndyCars have adjustable anti-roll bars which require accurate position measurement and adjustment during the race improving handling and reducing tyre wear. To provide the reliability and accuracy required, Doug Shelby Engineering used the Gill 60mm position sensors to measure the positions of the front and rear adjustment levers. Accuracy of data is paramount to both the driver and pit teams and the use of the Gill sensor eliminated the inaccuracies that arose from using potentiometers and the need to be individually customised for each gate position.
