Development of Micro Flowreactor, a Device for Evaluating Combustion Characteristics of Fuels in Automobiles
Group of researchers at Tohoku University in Collaboration with IHI has successfully developed “Micro Flowreactor” a fuel characterization device for evaluating combustion characteristics such as gasoline in automobiles through use of micro combustion technologies which enables the gas combustion with in a narrow tube where flames can be survived. The Micro Flowreactor is used for measuring the octane ratings an essential measurement for engine development. The newly developed consists of air-fuel mixture generating system, a small-inside-diameter glass tube, an external heater and imaging device with special optical filters. The way it works is that the temperature of air-fuel mixture within micro-diameter glass tube increases as it goes toward downstream where a temperature is maintained at high level due to an external heater. Read more
World’s Smallest and Lightest Motor Controller Unit for Electric Power Steering of Automobiles by Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric has announced the release of industry smallest and lightest motor controller unit for electric power steering for automobiles. Comparing to current products with equal out put the new motor controller is half in volume and 70% in weight. The new motor controller features a 30% improved power output through optimization of the electromagnetic design and use of company’s original Poki-poki motor for increasing coil density. Furthermore, the new product features a control algorithm developed in providing excellent steering sensation and stability. Read more
Development of Friction Stir Welding Tool for Welding High Melting Points Materials
Tohoku University and Hitachi have successfully developed Friction Stir Welding (FSW) tool capable of welding materials featuring high melting points, such as titanium and zirconium alloys which up to now have been difficult to weld with currently available tools. The new FSW tools utilizes cobalt based alloys which has been developed through dispersing intermetallics (Co3(Al,W) for achieving higher strength and wear resistance in comparison to previous ceramic tools. Read more
Development of New TACT Switch for Automobiles by ALPS Electric
Automobile manufacturers have increasing incorporated a variety of switching components on to the steering wheel of the vehicle rather than on the hard to reach instrument panels. This sort of design previously was primarily targeted at luxury automobiles, allowing the driver to directly operate on-board devices such as audio equipment and air-conditioning system. However, implementing switches into the steering wheel of a vehicle require a high operation force in order to prevent unintentional operation while driving, necessitating a need for a more define clicking sensation in such switching components. Based on this need, Alps Electric has developed new SKPR Series TACT Switch for automobiles, providing a more definite clicking sensation, due to its operating force of five newtons, plus an operating life of 100,000 cycles, capable of withstanding frequent usage over a long period of time. Read more
Development of composite thin film with high Piezoelectric
What does this mean to average individual absolutely nothing but to an individual in charge of safety management systems for automobiles, aircraft, power generators, chemical plants means everything. These are the type of places that require high heat resistance sensitive sensors and in order to be highly sensitive it must maintain a high piezoelectric property. Read more
