Evaluation of novel spark plug 3

[anurse]

My uncle has invented a novel spark plug. He says quit your job, sell this plug and you will be rich. I like my job (I am a nurse). On the other hand I would like to be rich. <br>

<br>

Question: How does a person evaluate a spark plug? What kind of tests would you have run? Will any NEW spark plug perform better compared to the one replaced i.e. show an increased mpg, increased HP and decreased emissions for a while? Finally, if a plug burns hotter (heat range higher than mfx recs) would the emissions and mpg be better to the detriment of the engine? Thanks in advance for your help.<br>

<br>

anurse

 

[storm]

First of all, if your uncle's idea has any merit then make sure it is adequately covered by patents. Do not talk to anyone or diclose anything until you do. <br>
<br>
The next step is to decide if you are going to make this component yourself and sell the parts. If you do not already have a plant that makes 100 million spark plugs a year, that gives you some infrastructure to build on, I guess the answer will be 'No'.<br>
<br>
This leaves the option of getting rich by selling the idea to a spark plug manufacturer (forget anyone else like engine manufacturers. They just will not be interested). You then need to decide just how novel the idea is. If it is a clever development on an existing spark plug design, then the best way to make money is to patent it, and sit quietly for a few years. Hope that some (or better yet several) spark plug manufacturers stumble on the idea independantly and start to use it. You can wait until their volumes are up to a reasonable level and then take them to court for infringement of your patent. You will make far more money this way, with far less risk than by either selling the idea as an idea or by trying to make the product yourself. The volume part is important, as the amount you will be paid will depend upon a royalty for each part made. You also want them to be locked into the manufacturing of yet more parts for future revenue income to you. No one wants to tell you this, as they somehow think it's unethical. Well just wait and see how 'ethical' the big corporations will be with you when you are a lone inventor trying to negotiate. (By the way, I have always worked for big corporations, so I have no personal axe to grind here). If you do not believe me on the benefits of this approach, look into the intermitent wash/wipe case in the automotive world.<br>
<br>
The other option if you don't want to spend 3 years fighting in court is to try and sell the idea to a spark plug manufacturer straight away. This will be tough as all suppliers of commodity products are very conservative and will need to see a significant selling advantage before investing in a new process/product. There is a history of the best product not being the best seller (Mac OS, Betamax video, Sony Minidisc etc.). Under these circumstances the company will do their own evaluations and have their own test procedures. They have all the equipment to do it, and will only trust their own results anyway. Forget doing your own testing.<br>
<br>
Whatever way you choose don't bother with the expense and hassle of testing. It's just not worth it. Contact the patents office, and they can direct you to groups set up to help small/lone inventors to get off the ground. <br>
<br>
Also, be very careful about talking your ideas through with Far East manufacturers. Some countries like China and Taiwan are either not signatories to international patent protection treaties, or ignore them at will. Caveat vendor.<br>
<br>
Good luck!!!!

 

[anurse]

Thanks for reply. I actually have a patent on a medical device. Like most inventors, I did not make any money. I agree that the better product does not always make it. Was a valuable experience.<br>
<br>
Back on the plug: Will any NEW spark plug perform better compared to the one replaced i.e. show an increased mpg, increased HP and decreased emissions for a while? Thanks.

 

[storm]

Maybe............<br>
<br>
It depends on the level of degredation of the old spark plug. If the plug is 'fouling' or has spark induced electrode erosion, the combustion will be effected, causing changes in emissions, power and fuel consumption. There are electrode designs out there that minimize this, but most people seem reluctant to pay for them. Like tires, most people try to save pennies on what is argueably the most critical (and easy to change) component effecting performance.

 

[anurse]

Thanks for the info.

 

[pmc]

Hi<br>I work for a start up that is commercializing a new ignition system and plug developed at Princeton University.<br><br>Your plug will show significant improvement only if it can generate a large plasma volume on the order of 50-100x larger than an ordinary plug.&nbsp;&nbsp;Such plasma volume will reduce ignition delay, resulting in faster and more complete burn of the air/fuel mixture.&nbsp;&nbsp;It will also allow you to run on leaner mixtures.