Flat Out

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:00:00 -0600

Lawrence Kren
Contributing Editor

Compression ignition comes to gas engines

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0500

In the race to field energy-efficient vehicles, don’t count out internal combustion technology just yet. GM recently debuted its homogeneous-charge-compression-ignition (HCCI) system in two drivable concept cars, a production-based 2007 Saturn Aura and Opel Vectra.

“HCCI was a dream of engine designers when I was an engineering student years ago,” says Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain and Quality. “Today, using mathbased predictive analysis and other tools, we are beginning to make this technology real.“

Two modes are better than one for heavy-duty hybrids

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:00:00 -0500

Lawrence Kren
Senior Editor

The Chevy Tahoe and GM Yukon will drive a bit differently beginning with the 2008 model year. That’s when GM debuts hybrid versions of its big SUVs. A GM-BMW-DaimlerChrysler collaboration designed the hybrid system, which GM has packaged in a standard-sized automatic transmission for the SUVs. The approach simplifies integration with an existing platform and is key to the hybrid’s ability to tow loads on par with conventional SUVs.

Next-generation CAD configurators

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:00:00 -0500

Hiroshi Nodo
Director, Factory Automation Components Business
Misumi USA Inc. Schaumburg, Ill.

So-called CAD configurators take it a step further. They let engineers customize and configure stock components, then download the native CAD files into assembly drawings, saving significant time during design and build cycles. Part numbers of configured parts key to the machine-tool code for making them, streamlining the manufacturing process.

Treat problems as treasure

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0500

Ulrich Reinders
Director, Bosch Production System
Bosch Rexroth Corp.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Vibes scope machine health

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0500

Jeff Teter, P.E.
Senior Reliability Engineer
The Timken Co.
Canton, Ohio

Can regulation alone bring safer products?

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0500

George A. Peters

Design engineering is a creative endeavor that involves some trial and error. It's common for second and later generations of a product to be better than the first release, a fact that is sometimes at odds with ever-greater demand for safer products.

Avoiding the commodity mindset trap

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0500

Michael Paris
Paris Consultants
Hinsdale, Ill.

The attraction of magnetic encoders

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 02:00:00 -0500

The Kubler 3650 and 3670 encoder Series give a resolution of 9 bits with SSI, 4-to-20 mA, or 0-to-10-Vdc output. The encoders have an IP69K protection rating and temperature range of –40 to 85˚C so they can work outdoors. Their die-cast housings are said to resist shock (>500 g) and vibration (>30 g).

More articles by Lawrence Kren

Flat Out

Compression ignition comes to gas engines

Two modes are better than one for heavy-duty hybrids

Next-generation CAD configurators

Treat problems as treasure

Vibes scope machine health

Can regulation alone bring safer products?

Avoiding the commodity mindset trap

The attraction of magnetic encoders

More readable operator interface panel