Design throughout Time

One Hundred Forty Third Post: Design throughout Time

I’m studying a small engine repair book from 1976. It’s been 30 years ago, but the information still applies to small engines built today. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same. It is comparable to the way a bicycle is designed. It is a simple idea that works so there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Sure bicycles have changed with gears being added and being built of high tech, lightweight materials, but only minor improvements in the large scope of things.

So basically other than the way it is manufactured, small engines are the same. Reinventing the engine would be a challenge if at all possible without there being some major scientific discoveries. A small engine is based on the combustion of fuel (gasoline) and air, but to ignite that fuel it is creating an electrical charge as the crankshaft turns using a magnet and some coiled wire to create a spark in the spark plug. So the system is efficient as any combustion engine can be. The important thing to remember is that it took years to evolve.

But what about more advanced, futuristic engines? There probably won’t be a futuristic engine on a small push mower unless it is converted to electric engine. Where the ideas are needed is in automobiles and large farm equipment. The problem lies in not only creating a better engine but in creating an engine that is practical enough to replace current engines.

It doesn’t seem as if there is any simple solution. Colleges hold contest and race tractors and SAE formula 1 cars. What if there was a small competition on a creating a battery powered lawn mower. All are attempts to learn and become knowledgeable with engines and maybe even spark new ideas.

That it the problem. There is a race to create a better engine in automobiles, but today’s engines do what they do well. Their only drawback is that they rely on oil. So before an upgrade of engines occur they have to be as powerful as the engines that already exist.

But until someone invents free energy.... May the Creative Force be with You