Sensor offers accuracy and durability

Problem: An automotive environment can be a fairly unpleasant place to ply your trade, especially when you are a component mounted on or near the engine or, indeed, anywhere open to the elements. Motorsport takes this to an even greater environmental extreme and therefore demands a higher calibre of component. But one must not consider the running of a car in isolation – maintenance must also be considered, especially when robustness is required in relation to the abuse many car parts get from some less than dainty engineers. In combination these two elements can put a great strain on the nominal capabilities of many parts supplied to automotive and other similarly demanding applications. Solution: Penny & Giles has launched a family of rugged, sealed rotary sensors for the Motorsport market which will be just as at home in other applications. They are designed specifically for high reliability in extreme temperature, high vibration and shock environments. They offer a range of features that make them suitable for these harsh conditions. The first and most obvious example being metal inserts placed inside the mounting holes. These have been incorporated to counter the problem of over-enthusiastic tightening with spanners during the mounting process. Many plastic collars will deform and even crack under excessive torque and will not locate back to nominal positions when they are removed and subsequently remounted. Cracks can also create paths for moisture and contaminant ingress. The sensors also exhibit integrally-moulded and sheathed cable assemblies which offer improved sealing and cable strain relief. They also remove the need for supplementary operations such as the addition of heat shrink boots after mounting. Applications: With virtually infinite resolution and a life in excess of 50 million operations, this sensor family is well suited to extremely harsh environments. Used as position monitors in computerised control systems such as automated gear changers, fuel control systems, suspension and steering monitoring, they are based on proven hybrid potentiometer track technology and are sealed to IP50 or IP66. The shaft, with its unique double bearing support, is available in D-shaped or sprung ear formats, both of which are compatible with industry standard fittings allowing easy interchangeability with existing equipment. MF