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Holy Grails

H

Howard

Lifer
Fully variable valve timing/lift/duration:

Any ideas when we can realize this? For slow speeds, there are no problems using solenoids, but the forces and power required as speeds increase are prohibitive. There must be some method to do this mechanically...

Active [independent] suspension:

Lotus had a racing system a long time ago, but it probably was too uncomfortable as it was hydraulic-only. Now Bose has something that can be used in basically any car.

http://www.bose.com/controller...pension_components.jsp

Am I correct in understanding that the linear motor is used in conjunction with a conventional spring/damper assembly? I guess that makes the most sense, as it wouldn't draw huge currents to suspend the car and you can still emulate dynamic spring stiffness and ride height.

HCCI:

Both GM and Mercedes have working prototypes. No idea when they'll be used in production cars. I would love to see the technology adapted to Wankels, just so the problem of "long" combustion chambers is eliminated.
 
To answer the first question, it will almost definitely be done with solenoids, as it is the most promising. This is supposed to be happening when they finally getting around to upping the voltage of automotive electrical systems.

There is obviously lots of resistance to this for compatibility issues, marketing, retooling, etc., but it simply must be done. The current drawn from a 12v potential is already getting extremely high which just increases cost in wiring, switching, etc.

For the second, it would almost certainly need a coil spring to actually support the weight of the vehicle, because of the ridiculous amounts of energy that would be needed to maintain the ride height with electromagnetism, as you stated.

I haven't done much reading on HCCI but it seems that with the numerous ways to achieve it, there should already be lots of development in this area, especially considering it has already been done throughout history.
 
The simple fact that it's made by Bose probably means that it's overpriced and doesn't work as well as promised.

Think about it... If it really worked THAT well, auto makers that pack their cars with the latest in technology like Lexus and Audi would already be using it.

Seriously, Bose's REAL corporate slogan should be "Better profits through slick marketing to stupid rich folks". Just ask the folks in the A/V forum what they think of these guys.
 
My understanding is that BMW already has infinitely variable valve timing and lift, and that in the cars so equipped, there is no throttle system beyond the valve control. If you need more gas, it just lifts the valve longer or higher to let in the proper amount. There is at least one more manufacturer that has it, as well, but they still use a throttle in addition to the system. Can't remember which one, though.
 
i'm with bob on the bose stuff. bose is a joke and should never be taken seriously. the valve idea, i saw in a automotive magazine, I'd agree with the increase in voltage will probably bring that into mainstream in Europe first, then japan, and of course America last....always bring that stuff last....
 

I think pneumatic valve lifters could achieve the total variable valving. Solenoids should have better life-time, if the power requirements can be worked out.
 
Don't forget to add 100 lbs of shielding from all those high current alternating magnets so you still get radio and cell phone reception... -_-;;; and people wonder why cars are getting so heavy. Seems like the drawbacks of over-complicating things negates any gains more often than not.

Doesn't F1 use electromagnetic valves now where they can monitor and adjust valve action from the pits? I don't pay attention to formula one but I thought that was something that was recently employed.

I would imagine you'd employ a rocker arm lever just to minimize the coil size and power requirements and improve coil dwell time... but that could get messy in a 4v head.

Lets just go to continuous combustion engines in automobiles too and eliminate valves completely 🙂
 
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