Car+Fuel+Injector

=My Device: Automobile Fuel Injector=
 * QGilligan

Purpose
//What is the fundamental purpose of the device?// To supply fuel to the automobile engine allowing the car to run. (supplying extra fuel when initially starting up, going up hill, and when the engine is cold.)

Energy
//What energy transformations are seen in its operation? Elastic Energy (in the form of pressurized fuel) until the electro magnet release the plunger resulting in kinetic energy (in the form of fuel in forward motion.)//

Controls
//What sensors/controls are designed into the device? The ECU (which controls the pulse width.) and the vehicle oxygen sensor (which influences the ECU based on the oxygen level in the exhaust).//

Materials
//What material(s) are essential to the device? a electromagnet moves back and forth like a plunger to let the gasoline spray out//

Science
//What is scientific principle is central to its operation? Pressure (in the form of elastic energy), Magnetism (which moves the electromagnets, opening the valve, relieving the pressure and fuel), and motion (esentially the overall goal of the machine).//

Design
//What does a typical device look like? A electric valve located within automobiles with a electromagnet controlled plunger inside, releasing pressurized fuel. typicaly cylindrical with a electrical plug on the side for the electro magnets.// (a real picture) http://www.technical-illustrations.co.uk/img/product/Fuel-injector.jpg (a real diagram) []

Evolution
What changes have there been (or could there be) in this device? //Carburetors, a earlier device meant to fulfill the same purpose, used vacuum technology to pull fuel in (rather than letting pressurized fuel out) which resulted in extra wasted fuel at times, or occasionally not enough.//

Competitors
What other devices serve a similar purpose? Up until 1950s, (or 1990s in the U.S.) vehicles all used carburetors, which did essentially the same thing, only in a slightly different manner.

Partners
What other devices work in conjunction with this device? //The ECU, and Oxygen Sensor (as stated above) in addition to the fuel rails, which supply the pressurized fuel, and the vehicle battery which supplies the electro magnet with electricity.//

Siblings
What other devices use the same scientific principle?//
 * The common spring** - basically all elastic energy is is stored energy, that builds over time. just like holding back pressurized fuel, a coiled spring is great example of elastic energy, probably the most dominant scientific principal in the fuel injecter. infact, for many, a coiled spring is the exact picture that comes to mind when talking about elastic energy.


 * nail gun** - Springs, as stated are also a good example of elastic energy (when coiled) and happen to be used in the staple gun as well, thus using the same principal. Even those in which can be hooked up to an air compresser, also use elastic energy, much like a fuel injector.


 * staple gun** - same as nail gun only with large staples.


 * Air compress** - air compressors cause unnatural amounts of air to collect in a single space causing great air pressure and until releases, abundant elastic energy. (that converts into motion as the air floods out)