A New Mechanical Starting Device.
Page 17
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Increased attention is being given by designers in the drawing offices of the principal commercialmotor vehicle manufacturers to the production of some practicable form of self-starting arrangement for internal-combustion engines. From time to time we have had occasion to note the arrangement of the few existing devices which are already in use. The only accessory of this kind which, so far as we are aware, has to date been adopted definitely for commercialvehicle work is that which is a component part of the Adams van chassis for 30-cwt. loads.
We have, during the past week, had submitted to us another device which is being handled by Captain Windham. A large batch of these accessories is under construction at the works of Lamplough and Sons, Ltd., Albany Works, Cumberland Park, N.W., and any inquiries concerning this speciality may be addressed to Captain Windham at that factory.
We reproduce herewith photographs of the additional parts which it is necessary to fit to an existing vehicle. The device consists of a subsidiary shaft, to which continuous rotary motion is given by means of a pair of free-wheel devices, of which the motions are relatively opnosed. Suitable link work is employed to transmit by hand partial rotary motion to this pair of free-wheel arrangements.
The action which is thus ensured may be best realized by the statement that, during an upward stroke of the operating lever, one of the free wheels works, whilst the other misses; on the return stroke these duties are reversed. The resulting effect is an almcst continual rotary motion imparted to the main shaft. The chain drive from this spindle transmits the motion to some suitable portion of the engine drive— preferably between clutch and gearbox, as there is, as a rule, ample room there for the attachment of the necessary chain sprocket.
toothed clutch, clutch, which overrides should the engine attempt to drive backwards through the free wheels.
The principle embodied in this device should espe el ally interest owners of motorvans, to whom the possibility of the systematic stoppmg of the engine during a long delivery round would ensure considerable consumption economies.
Providing that this device can be put on the market at a reasonable price, and that its operating gear be as free as possible from pins ancl joints which are certain to be subject to backlash sooner or later, we think it can usefully he applied in many cases to existing models. It represents, most certainly, a practical line of accessory development for which the present and threatened high price of petrol is responsible. The cost, say £3, should quickly be recouped.