Gentech tames small engine oil ‘slosh’

Requirement:

Small engines, such as in lawn mower engines, rarely get the oil level checked by the owner and many purchased by rental companies are at the disposal of hirers. Often these products are used in critical applications such as a generators keeping power to essential items such as refrigerators and medical devices.

Gentech’s customer required a low level oil switch for use in portable generator engines and other small engine applications to shut down the engine if levels are too low. Typical temperatures can reach 350°F, vibration is high and metal debris lies in the oil. The switch also has to contend with tilt angles of 30 deg causing the oil to ‘slosh’ about.

Design parameters:

• Accommodate ‘slosh’ levels
• Small size
• Easy to install
• Work in high temperatures
• Not be affected by metal debris

Solution:

The main challenge for Gentech was to remove the risk of false readings caused by the ‘sloshing’oil. A Slosh Cover was designed specifically for the application wich controlled the flow of the oil to the float.

Design outcome:

• Based on Gentech VS Product Range technology
• PPS body material to withstand high temps and oils
• Free floating float system that eliminates any hinges or areas for build up
• Slosh shield to insure no false tripping due to oil turbulence
• Special electronics built into the design to down a small engine
• Single wire with quick disconnect

Similar applications:

• Portable generators
• Lawn mowers
• Snow blowers