Diamond Coated Piston Ring for Sonic Chevrolet (Aveo) and Cruze

Diamonds are typically used as the exclusive jewelery and also for cutting hard objects. The specialty of the diamonds, now used by Chevrolet, using it as a coating component of the "heart" of the engine, the ring (ring) piston.

Chevrolet has also been announced, a diamond encrusted ring piston is to be used in the Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine that will be the source of Sonic (Aveo) and Cruze production this year. The goal, to reduce friction ring with the cylinder wall. Thus, the engine work more efficiently, fuel economy and not less interesting, durability or service life is more intense.

Understandably, the diamond is a very hard material. No less interesting, with a diamond hardening technology, piston ring can be more close to the cylinder and the pressure is hard. Chevrolet claimed, this technology was first used for machine made them.

DLC

This technology is also called Diamond-like Carbon Coating (DLC). This technique is done by creating a synthetic surface, considered advanced with automotive applications is relatively new.

Previously, the technique is only applied to the latest advanced technology products, the "hard drive" computers, orthopedic implants and semi-conductors. Further, GM is also testing this technique for use on machine tools.

Reduce friction

Rings piston functioning insulate combustion chamber on a machine, helping move the heat from piston to the wall cylinder and reduce use oil. On the 1.4L Turbo Ecotec engine, the steel ring made ​​with a smooth surface and hardened synthetically. The goal, to improve durability or not wear out quickly.

"Thanks to the diamond coating process. Because of the lower ring tension, friction on the surface of the cylinder wall is reduced. Fuel consumption is of course much more efficient, "said Rich Ricchi, GM Powertrain Technical Specialist. Added, the DLC also reduce consumption, the wear rate is also low due to use of DLC coatings.

More efficient

By using a piston ring diamond, Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed transmission, fuel consumption Sonic - estimated by EPA method - 12.3 kpl in the city and 17 kpl on the highway. While the Chevrolet Cruze, 11 kpl in the city and 16 kpl on the highway.

Further, the application of this technology depends on the intensity of its use. Carbon coatings such as diamond, chemically engineered to withstand the wear, friction control, and reduce the stickiness. For the industry, GM uses a formula DLC on the drill bit. The goal, to prevent aluminum attached to the drill bit that caused the "sap" and lead the work process is slow.

In addition to piston rings, GM also see great opportunities DLC is used to lever or trigger valve which began production in early 2014.

"Through years of research in the laboratory, we understand the process of DLC on the atomic level. This technique has great hope for the future because it can be used to facilitate the process of making components and improving its quality. For consumers, the cost of care is also cheaper, "said Michael Lukits, GM's senior researcher.

Unfortunately not be explained, whether the process is causing the price of a diamond coated piston ring is to be expensive?

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500 IBM Battery Technology for Distance 800 miles

In the automotive world, a very limited mileage is a major electric vehicle (EV) at this time. Another problem, infrastructure or facilities recharging the battery is still very little battery. To that end, IBM's deal to create a battery that has the ability to cruise far enough, which is 800 km for each charge and called the Battery 500 (according to the distance traveled in miles).

Battery called lithium-air, the borrowing oxygen from the air when the car is used. IBM has been examined since 2009. This battery technology is not only succeeded in creating a battery that is lighter because of the high energy density, also prevents the use of heavy metal oxides.

For this, IBM took the experts from the two Japanese companies, the Asahi Kasei and Central Glass (manufacturer of lithium-ion battery electrolyte) and a prototype is expected to be made final later this year.

The question arises, whether IBM can reduce the cost of production is not much different from conventional batteries.

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Toyota Develops Mood Detection Technology

Toyota UK is currently conducting research to develop technologies that can detect mood (mood detection). The system determines the driver's emotions and then give a warning if conditions are unfavorable. Toyota hopes mood detection can improve driving safety.

This technology know whether the driver was sad, happy, angry, or neutral. If the driver is angry or sad - based on research - driving their concentration will be reduced and of course very dangerous. Well, the mood detection technology, drivers are reminded to always be careful.

"The research is basic and the new phase could be completed next 2-3 years. Meanwhile, the use of an estimated six years later," said Jonas Ambeck, Senior Manager of Toyota's High Technology.

Currently, a prototype detector that uses a camera to see facial expressions to determine the emotion based on 238 points on the driver's face. Obstacles encountered is, when the driver's beard, sideburns, or wearing glasses. For these conditions, the sensor can not work optimally emotions.

Toyota began developing this technology since 2006 and has never announced when the technology will be grafted into its products. Jonas Ambeck also said that in the future, this technology can be used in conjunction with a smartphone that is connected via a satellite navigation.

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