Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/gentlemen-start-your-lasers-ford-dumping-spark-plugs-in-favor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/gentlemen-start-your-lasers-ford-dumping-spark-plugs-in-favor/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/gentlemen-start-your-lasers-ford-dumping-spark-plugs-in-favor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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]

Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Austin PowersAustinPowersCoilDoctor EvilDoctorEvilDr. EvilDr.EvilFordIgnitionInnovativeInventionLaserLiverpool UniversityLiverpoolUniversitySparkSpark PlugsSparkPlugsWireWed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19096848/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/15/gentlemen-start-your-lasers-ford-dumping-spark-plugs-in-favor/19096848/article-detail.xml 19096848 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/doctor-evil-pinkie-pose-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/doctor-evil-pinkie-pose-580.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-so-thats-what-it-looks-like-slo-mo-combustion-closeu/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-so-thats-what-it-looks-like-slo-mo-combustion-closeu/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/video-so-thats-what-it-looks-like-slo-mo-combustion-closeu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We all learn the theory of what happens inside an internal combustion engine; a mixture of fuel and air is ignited by a short electric spark. Some people describe the ensuing event as an explosion, but the ideal is a controlled burn, but it's still so fast that it could be confused for an uncontrolled explosion. An engine is a practical application of thermodynamics, when it comes right down to it. The piston moves by the pressure exerted by the burning fuel mixture, and as the piston moves down the bore, pressure reduces, and work is extracted from the fuel.

Of course, there's a lot more to it, but that's the basics. We're sure you had a little animated diagram dancing around in your head the first time you really tried to understand the common Otto cycle. My mental flash player still fires up when I'm trying to figure out different cycles like the Atkinson. Wouldn't it be great to actually see inside the cylinder during combustion events? No, we didn't videotape our lawnmower with a Colortune plug -- this technique is far fancier.

Video and technique info after the jump

[Source: Hemmings]

Continue reading VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup

VIDEO: So that's what it looks like! -- Slo-Mo combustion closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combustionengineetcignitioninternalphotographypower strokePowerStrokeschlierenslow motionSlowMotionspark plugSparkPlugtechvideoFri, 27 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/883779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/27/video-so-thats-what-it-looks-like-slo-mo-combustion-closeu/883779/article-detail.xml 883779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/combustion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/combustion.jpg <![CDATA[Anyone seen my keys? Check with Nissan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/anyone-seen-my-keys-check-with-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/anyone-seen-my-keys-check-with-nissan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/anyone-seen-my-keys-check-with-nissan/#commentsFiled under: ,



At least they're not mocking men or making light of depressed robots. Nissan's latest marketing effort for the Altima has the auto company messing with patrons of entertainment venues. 200,000 sets of faux keys will be planted in clubs, bars, concert venues, and other congregation locations. The way the ruse works is that someone picks up the keys, and takes in a tidy little marketing message about the Altima's keyless ignition as they read the keychain. It's a great example of thinking outside of the box by agency True. It was also reportedly cheap, ringing in at a cool 100 grand. That sounds like a lot of money, but the cheapest TV commercial costs more to produce and air at an effective frequency. Hopefully the general public delights in being fooled; the prizes you can register for at Altimakeys.com or by texting "keys" to the number on the tag will likely help goodwill. It'll be interesting to see what kind of uproar it will inevitably cause - People For The Ethical Treatment of Keys? Perhaps a Boston-style overreaction will ensue? We just wish that they were keys to real Altimas. Giving away free cars, now there's a campaign we can get behind.

[Source: Winding Road]

Anyone seen my keys? Check with Nissan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingaltimaclubsignitionkeylesskeyless ignitionKeylessIgnitionkeyslost keysLostKeysmarketingnissanvenueviral marketingViralMarketingMon, 19 Mar 2007 15:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/855775/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/03/19/anyone-seen-my-keys-check-with-nissan/855775/article-detail.xml 855775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/keyringnissanshot_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/keyringnissanshot.jpg -1 2