Is it time for timers on fuel shut off or ignition?

slope control

i think tom howell may have found the right product for the job....i finally got a chance to click the link above. this product seems to be simple and if it can handle the speed and vibration, it may be the ticket.

here's text copied from the site:
Features

Single and Dual Axis
Single Supply Input
Reverse Polarity Protection
Output Short Circuit Protected
High Current-Sink Capability
Inductive Load Protection
-40°C to +75°C Operating Temperature Range
Rugged Hermetic Packaging
Shockproof to 500g
Weatherproof
Lamp / Solenoid Driver
Normally Open or Closed Outputs
Mercury Free Switch

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Overview

The SlopeAlert is a reliable, low cost solution of determining in-range and out of range tilt conditions. It is designed for off-road, in-motion vehicles and equipment that operate in high vibration/shock, rough terrain environments. Two of the most common applications for this warning device are: 1) to help prevent vehicle or equipment rollover on steep slopes; and 2) to aid track vehicles that need protection for over rotation while in motion, especially in rough terrain. Connected to a lamp, horn, or solenoid relay, this compact Single or Dual Axis unit can indicate both safe and unsafe conditions as well as provide a control signal to help prevent equipment over rotation.

Even though the SlopeAlert System was designed for monitoring vehicle inclination in off-road, rough terrain environments, it is well suited for any application where inclination needs to be limited. Other industrial applications include irrigation controls, plough and grader hydraulic leveling controls, turf care, construction equipment, lift vehicles, and earth moving equipment. OEM's welcome!
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This system wired to a solenoid relay that would fire an inline fuel shutoff at or around 25-30 degrees would not only prevent most blowovers but in the event it did blowover, kill the engine.

I'll put a call in tomorrow to see the effects of speed on this unit. The Wheelie control might be an alternative, but how easily could traction control be integrated into that unit?

 

revisited

It's coming up on two years since Shelly's accident. I think it's high time we continue to look into this before it happens again. I think the inclinometer would help prevent this from happening.

 

fuel

while it is debateable whether or not a motor will run w/o ignition, a valve that would shut off the fuel inline with the pump would kill it pretty quick.

 

crew shut off

I think if you read the whole thread, the crew member shut off may have some pitfalls.

In a conversation with Frank Hawley on why he doesn't have such a device on his school cars, he brought up a good point. You may set a dangerous precedent if a driver feels someone else will shut it off if he/she gets out of control.

Also, we're trying to prevent blowovers as well as prevent the catastrophic events that may occur if the car stays under power when it comes down. I don't think a crewmember can react fast enough to prevent a blowover. Your watching a run, and by the time you say oh no, then you have a hint of hesitation because you dont want to end a good run, then you hit the button, it's going over.

I think the only viable option here is to cut off the fuel with some sort of inline shut off valve. An alcohol engine is more prone to shut off by ignition, but an a/fueler will not.