3 ms·

What I want to try is replacing valves with electric iris mechanisms. The computer would signal the iris to open or close depending on the situation. No more c

What I want to try is replacing valves with electric iris mechanisms. The computer would signal the iris to open or close depending on the situation. No more complicated variable valve stuff. Just hold the iris open longer. Also no more interference engines and timing chain/belt changes. Iris: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_Diaphragm.gif https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iris_Diaphragm.gif Edit: fixed typo, added link to iris gif

toxik 5y ago
It’s a good question, why is only fuel injection and ignition computer controlled? The intake and exhaust valves must also be solenoid controllable.
- opwieurposiu 5y ago
  This exists, but it is very expensive. https://www.freevalve.com/freevalve-technology/ https://www.freevalve.com/freevalve-technology/
- LeonM 5y ago
  Swedish hypercar builder Koenigsegg has made a system like this, they call it FreeValve. Their upcoming car called the Gemera will feature FreeValve, its 2.0L 4-cylinder is said to generate over 600HP. Though it must be said that this is a 1.5 million dollar car, so don't expect this kind of performance per displacement from other brands. A guy on Youtube made his own version of freevalve, and got it to work on a Mazda Miata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw
- golemiprague 5y ago
  Because of reliability and the potential damage, not injecting fuel is not such a big deal but a stucked valve can cause serious damage with all the pressure inside the cylinder. There are some cars now with no camshaft, but they are very high end experimental sport cars like Koenigsegg
addison-lee 5y ago
I don’t think an iris like that would last very long with the immense pressures in the cylinders. It makes way more sense to electronically control the valves themselves, like Koenigsegg is doing with their Freevalve tech, so you get the mechanical seal of the valve with the control of electronics.
- keanebean86 5y ago
  I figured it was something like that. It would still be a fun experiment with a small engine.

toxik 5y ago

It’s a good question, why is only fuel injection and ignition computer controlled? The intake and exhaust valves must also be solenoid controllable.

opwieurposiu 5y ago
This exists, but it is very expensive. https://www.freevalve.com/freevalve-technology/ https://www.freevalve.com/freevalve-technology/
LeonM 5y ago
Swedish hypercar builder Koenigsegg has made a system like this, they call it FreeValve. Their upcoming car called the Gemera will feature FreeValve, its 2.0L 4-cylinder is said to generate over 600HP. Though it must be said that this is a 1.5 million dollar car, so don't expect this kind of performance per displacement from other brands. A guy on Youtube made his own version of freevalve, and got it to work on a Mazda Miata: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KJ_f7REGw
golemiprague 5y ago
Because of reliability and the potential damage, not injecting fuel is not such a big deal but a stucked valve can cause serious damage with all the pressure inside the cylinder. There are some cars now with no camshaft, but they are very high end experimental sport cars like Koenigsegg

addison-lee 5y ago

I don’t think an iris like that would last very long with the immense pressures in the cylinders. It makes way more sense to electronically control the valves themselves, like Koenigsegg is doing with their Freevalve tech, so you get the mechanical seal of the valve with the control of electronics.

keanebean86 5y ago
I figured it was something like that. It would still be a fun experiment with a small engine.