Just thought this was an interesting tidbit I came across...how about using lasers instead of spark plugs.

 

Seems pretty cool

 

how do you check if oneis bad with out burning a hole in the wall.

 

That 's a real progress!
Cool read! Thx!

 

I agree, thanks. Of course we all see some issues, but I'm sure they're working on them
- lens material: quartz?
- carbon buildup
- vibration/temp effects on pulse laser

 

I read about that the other day; it's interesting to consider both the efficiencies you could gain going that route, as well as how clever you could get with overall packaging. Suddenly, you don't have to accommodate easy servicing of the plugs, which means you can get a little crazier with head placement and orientation (*cough* boxer plug replacements *cough*).

From a tuning perspective, think of the tables it would add. Power, activation latency, duration, perhaps aim/position? (Actually, I can imagine a system that works a lot like fuel injection.) Some form of auto-calibration (ala printer heads) would be needed; those lasers will fall out of alignment over time. Copy-protection on aftermarket tunes would involve increasing power and duration so much that aluminum starts melting...

It's one less maintenance item, but think about how much servicing would cost.

 

I am just waiting for the day for consumer level non-cam activated valves ... then you can REALLY play with placement and orientation. oh yeah and infinitely variable timing, duration, and more steps of lift (likely not infinitesimally adjustable lift though).

 

Well, the Coates rotary head has been around for a long time. I think that is the ideal head. I don't know why OEMs haven't gone that route. It eliminates the entire valve train (cams, valves, springs, lifters, etc) and needs no lubrication/coolant from what I remember. Talk about a high revving, free flowing head. I think it's a great idea, but who knows the reasons behind why they aren't in production vehicles.

 

Nifty concept, the automobile has come a long way since carbs & point ignitions

 

sharks with fricken laser beams

 

Best way to improve ignition is with two plugs/cyl.

 

I imagine that they want an arm-and-a-leg for patent licensing.