Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?
In a breakthrough that may make vehicle starting issues due to fouled plugs or inclement weather a thing of the past, engineers at Ford have reportedly teamed with scientists at Liverpool University to develop a laser beam ignition system to replace ye olde spark plug. The researchers claim their technology is more efficient, more reliable, and it will enable vehicles to start easier in extreme temperatures and damp climates.
Unlike traditional spark plugs (invented way back in 1839 by Edmond Berger), laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders – not just at the tip of the plug. This not only aids combustion, it also lowers emissions during cold starts. Researchers also point out that the lasers use less energy than their spark plug counterparts, eliminate wear items and wires (fiber optics will carry the laser beam to the cylinders), and improve fuel burn by "watching" ignition from within the combustion chamber and sending messages back to the ECU to adjust fuel mixtures, timing, and ignition.
Ford is expected to introduce the technology in its top models within the next few years, and then make it more widely available. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: Telegraph UK | Image: New Line Cinema]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
MikeofLA 5:00PM (7/15/2009)
That is just freaking Cool! Any numbers on the performance improvements?
Reply
Silly Pickle 7:02PM (7/15/2009)
Now if they just combine it with Nissan's split injectors we should pretty soon not even need hybrids we'll be saving so much gas! ICE tech aint dead yet! :-)
Quantumphysics 10:15PM (7/15/2009)
Maybe then I'll stop having to replace my Ford expedition's coil packs.
AMcA 12:32AM (7/16/2009)
"Just so freakin' cool".
EXACTLY!
polo 12:06PM (7/16/2009)
"Now if they just combine it with Nissan's split injectors we should pretty soon not even need hybrids we'll be saving so much gas!"
Um no. Unless these give your car 200mpg there will still be need and value for hybrids. And then you miss the obvious which is these could simply be combined with hybrid tech for even better mileage.
Eric Liberatore 5:03PM (7/15/2009)
Is it too much to ask for an engine with frickin laser beams? Really, people. What do I pay you for?
Reply
Jim in Tampa 5:19PM (7/15/2009)
HAHAHAHA!
That was funny!
Jake 5:18PM (7/15/2009)
+1
thow me a freakin' bone here,
Hamud 5:48PM (7/15/2009)
HAhhaaahahahahahaha, that was perfect, ahahaahah.
About the new technology, it will be really a great step forward.
UCJR 5:05PM (7/15/2009)
Sorry Ford, GM already asked for their one hundred BILLION dollars.
Reply
Tyler 5:08PM (7/15/2009)
Mwahahahahaha.
Reply
retsel 5:08PM (7/15/2009)
So now Gordi if going to fix my car when something happens... lol... looking forward to it...
But i want a combustion chamber that is a forcefield instead of metal...
Reply
Yaroukh 5:08PM (7/15/2009)
Hey Matt, what do you think? Will it suck?
Reply
Matt (that likes ford) 6:46PM (7/15/2009)
+1 Indeed Matt, what is your opinion.
Matt 9:29PM (7/15/2009)
Well, there is no doubt that Ford will screw it up. Remember, the screwed up basic spark plugs and cruise control...they don't have a hope in hell of getting this one right.
But since Ford "engineers" are nothing more than hungry baboons, maybe they should feed them with the hope they actually get something right.
Mike 1:34AM (7/16/2009)
It's okay Matt, Ford didn't make it and it was originated in Europe. It might work.
Fabio Silva 5:12PM (7/15/2009)
Oh, cool! Freakin' Fords with freakin' laser beams attached to their freakin' engines!
Reply
Aloysius Vampa 5:58PM (7/15/2009)
Awesome comment.
Awesome design.
This post and the associated comments are just awesome.
I like the word 'awesome'. It's awesome.
John P. 5:10PM (7/15/2009)
If they can somehow manage each cylinder's combustion firing electronically the way they are saying, I imagine a car could be programmed for efficiency and/or performance. This sounds amazing if they can manage to do it.
Way to go!
Reply
Andre 5:10PM (7/15/2009)
Soon mechanics are gonna need a degree in Electronics just to know how to repair a car, hehehe..
Reply