From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Failure of an electric petrol gauge and the development of an improved version with a new float.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 167\4\ img051 | |
| Date | 21th September 1934 | |
| 84523. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst.7/MA.21.9.34. ELECTRIC PETROL GAUGES. As a result of the failure to register correctly noticed on the petrol gauge on 19.G.4 (E.3/HP.17.9.34.) we took the matter up with Messrs.Smiths who agreed with us that extra buoyancy is required. They stated that they had already introduced a better float on Bentley petrol gauges to overcome the trouble experienced. We examined this float in comparison with the standard 20/25 and 40/50 float in a tank of paraffin, and we were convinced that the new float is a big improvement. It is made in thin gauge brass with a small increase in volume. It floats about 50% immersed whereas the standard float is nearly all immersed. Regarding the irregularity in the potentiometer winding, they stated that when the gauge is correctly adjusted it is impossible for the slider arm contact to travel over the space where the terminal is soldered. We pointed out to them that more careful inspection is therefore needed to avoid this occurring. In view of the fact that the gauge are so easily distorted thereby introducing extra friction in the movement, we are pushing ahead with our tests of the modified gauge with more robust constructional features. This gauge will be developed in parallel with the warning lamp scheme. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wst. | ||