📰 Auto News Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?

[Mook]

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.

[Autoblog]

Click to read more...

 

[blakbearddelite]

Interesting.....lazer beams!

 

[epik_x]

laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders

Awesome!

 

[SHOmuff]

Before anyone else does,


Cool technology, but sounds expensive to fix if need be.

 

[E]

Will not said beam/laser pointed into the cylinder cause hot spots?

 

[02BlueGT]

Will not said beam/laser pointed into the cylinder cause hot spots?

there are always hot spots, but this way, they are consistent, and can be engineered for

 

[Poopshinanigans]

teamed with direct injection this could be sweet. Better control of fuel and spark? How can this go wrong if developed thoroughly.

 

[Bob Kazamakis]

just wait for that first idiot to throw in a 100W and blow a circuit.

 

[Poopshinanigans]

filling his mustang with water to clean it out and then electrocuting himself to death.

 

[Ford Tempo Fan]

This is the kind of innovation and forward thinking Detroit needs. Sure you can build a best-in-class, all around good car (like the new Taurus or Fusion), but that won't capture the greater audience.

In short, Ford needs a 1986 Taurus or 1984 Tempo for the 21st century.

 

[bikrboy128]

In short, Ford needs a 1986 Taurus or 1984 Tempo for the 21st century.

no, those cars really need to stay the hell out of the 21st century.

 

[bikrboy128]

cool technology though. i hope to see this take off

 

[James]

So the government loaned that ship that crashed in Roswell New Mexico to Ford and they're adapting the alien technology, cool.

 

[Poopshinanigans]

All modern technology has been developed from researching the ALLSPARK!!!!

 

[SRT41320]

i play with lasers everyday...i dont like this idea at all

 

[Bru]

This is the kind of innovation and forward thinking Detroit needs. Sure you can build a best-in-class, all around good car (like the new Taurus or Fusion), but that won't capture the greater audience.

In short, Ford needs a 1986 Taurus or 1984 Tempo for the 21st century.

The Fusion and Taurus are designed specifically for the greater audience. Especially the Fusion as it's a high-volume seller.

 

[Fish]

You know, I only have one simple request, and that is to have cars with fricken laser beams attached to their combustion chamber.

 

[ss454]

More junk to go wrong

 

[Alacran]

interesting a gasoline with fiber optic/laser ignition. I guess glow plugs work so great in Diesels that they need something similar in gasoline. shrug

Its worth a try who would not want to try it? Dont tell me its for cold starts though the engine is still going to be ice cold unless you use block heaters.

 

[slowchevy]

This is the kind of innovation and forward thinking Detroit needs. Sure you can build a best-in-class, all around good car (like the new Taurus or Fusion), but that won't capture the greater audience.

In short, Ford needs a 1986 Taurus or 1984 Tempo for the 21st century.

 

[Angus]

i do know that when the Taurus first came out, it was a big hit and a good car for then.

 

[Eagle]

I want some warp speed laser light powered beamy things for my car too

 

[bikrboy128]

why do i get the feeling that i am going to hate working on these

 

[Angus]

b/c you'll want to look into the laser beam...

 

[Stink Star]

interesting.... i was hearing that GM was looking into Compression ignition- direct injection gasoline engines.... basically like a gasoline version of a diesel, so its interesting to see what other manufacturers are thinking.

cant wait for the first race where somebody says "your car has fiber optic Laser ignition!!! im gonna need some spots!" lol