INSTEAD OF A STARTING HANDLE.
Page 17
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It is really remarkable bow long, and with what little complaint, we have suf
fered the inconveniences of the familiar starting handle. , They are so obvious that there is no need for -us now to dilate upon them: its close proximity to the ground, particularly in the case of • the smaller vans and in touring cars, is perhaps the most mitstanding of them. There is little doubt that the allbring prospect of an automatic starter, operated either electrically or otherwise, did much to distract attention from the starting handle itself, the ever-hopeful user considering that the time was close at hand when hand. starting would be entirely abolished. In the circumstances, it is not to be expected that a very sympathetic ear would be turned to scheme's for improving what was assumed to be already moribund.
It is more than likely, however, that for certain classes Of -meter vehicles the cost of automatic starters of any description will rule them out of practical consideration. This stricture will applv most notably to those which are destined to meet the requirem_ents of that larger class of purchasers whose slender purses will be a determining factor of the gest cost of their purchase—and this condition will obtain in the case of both the tpuring and goods carrying chassis. A cheap and efficient substitute for the starting handle, therefore, will in all probability find a ready and extended market.
The most probable form wilt be that which permits of the engine being started with a minimum of effort, without any necessity for the driver leaving
his seat. Several. -attempts have been made to attain this object, and one or
two constructions have made their way into the hands of the accessory dealers, without, however, so far as oar knowledge goes, achieving more than a inodicum of success. Another has been embodied in the design of a light ear, but this, too, bas been limited as regards output, the reason being, however, not so much that of inadequacy in either, of the two essentials laid down above, but freak extraneous causes.
A hand starter of the above description has been in use for three years, in the hands of a Nottinghain user, being applied to -a 12 hp. Darracq car. Generally, the principle involved is the rotation a the crankshaft of the engine by means of 41 rope or wire coiled round a grooved pulley whims acts upon 'the shaft. After one pull upon the cord, it is automatically rewound upon its pulley by means Of a coil spring. This device, as applied to the small-powered engine referred to above, has given satisfaction:, and it is conceivable that, with slight modifications in dimensions, particulaaly in respect of the leverage, it could bemade suitable for use in the larger power units which are involved in the construction of commercial vehiclesThe detailed construction of the existing apparatus is as described below. We refrain from giving any particulars of "actual strengths, as these naturally would be modified to meet varying circurnstances.
Secured upon the end of the crankshaft is a ratchet wheel. This, is Protected by a easing which may he bolted to the timing case cover-or similar fitting, and the protecting case itself has a hollow cylindrical -extension which fits closely round the-ratchet wheel. A gap is cut in this extension to allow ingress to a pawl which is designed to gear with the toothed ratchet. Mounted -upon the outside of the same extension is the grooved pulley, upon, which the starter wire is coiled.
A spring, similar in type to a clock spring, is secured at one end to the pulley, and at the other to the casing. The tendency of this clock spring is always to return the pulley to the " ready " position. On the boss of the pulley and projecting through 0. hole therein is a pawl, which is weighted so as to operate without the aid of a spring. • Inthe "ready" or disengaged poSition,, the pawl is held out of engagement lvith• the ratchet teeth by the edge of the hole in the casing. Upon the starting: wire being pulled, the pawl is freed, and, owing to its weight, falls at once into gear with the ratchet, -and turns the engine. About half a revolution is allowed before a projecting Pin on the pawl strikes an inclined stop on the casing,-the pawl being thus -caused to disengage. Release of the wire allows of an immediate return to the 'ready position as before.
, An important feature is that the parts are only engaged and reVolving when the starter is in use, In all other circum stances, the pawl isjust held stationary, and only the ratchet Wheel itself moves and, since it is keyed -to the engine shaft and does not bear upon any other part there can he no wear. This device has we understand, been: patented, and in quiries concerning it, -ivith a view to arranging for its manufacture AM marketing, should be-addressed to Mr. W. 1=tjelakinson, of 11, Fox Road, West Bridgford, Nottinghant.