The video discusses the evolution of internal combustion engines, focusing on the differences between Otto, Atkinson, and Miller cycle engines. It explains how Nicolaus Otto invented the four-stroke engine in 1876, overcoming many challenges and building upon previous designs like the Lenoir engine. The Atkinson cycle engine, developed by James Atkinson, aimed to improve efficiency by altering the compression stroke but sacrificed power. Ralph Miller later introduced the Miller cycle, which also sought to enhance efficiency but used a supercharger to compensate for power loss. Modern engines use variable valve timing and electric motors to balance efficiency and power, with companies like Toyota and Mazda incorporating these principles into their hybrid and Skyactiv-X engines respectively.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A four-stroke engine does intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
2. Nicolaus August Otto invented the four-stroke or Otto engine in 1876.
3. Otto was a salesman before becoming involved with engines.
4. Otto was inspired by the Lenoir engine, which was an atmospheric engine developed by Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir.
5. The Lenoir engine was only 4% efficient and produced 2 horsepower.
6. Otto improved the Lenoir engine by adding a compression stroke, which greatly increased efficiency.
7. Otto partnered with Eugene Langen and founded the first internal combustion engine manufacturing company in 1864.
8. The company was headquartered in Deutz, Germany, and was led by Gottlieb Daimler as technical director and Wilhelm Maybach as head of engine design.
9. In 1876, Otto developed the first true Otto cycle engine, which was made possible by contributions from Franz Rings and Herman Schumm.
10. The Otto cycle engine was an instant commercial success and was patented by Otto.
11. James Atkinson developed the Atkinson cycle engine in the late 1800s, which improved efficiency by reducing the length of the compression stroke.
12. The Atkinson cycle engine used a complicated set of rods and linkages to achieve this goal.
13. The Atkinson cycle engine was manufactured and sold for a few years but ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption.
14. Ralph Miller developed the Miller cycle engine in 1957, which also aimed to improve efficiency by reducing the length of the compression stroke.
15. The Miller cycle engine used a much simpler solution than the Atkinson cycle engine, keeping the intake valve open longer during the compression stroke.
16. The Miller cycle engine was paired with a supercharger to make up for the loss of power and responsiveness.
17. The Mazda Millennia used a Miller cycle engine with a twin-screw supercharger in the late 1990s.
18. The engine produced 217 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque, but was ultimately discontinued due to high production costs.
19. Toyota revived the concept of the Atkinson cycle engine in the late 1990s with the Prius, using an electric motor instead of a supercharger.
20. The Atkinson cycle engine has been used in various forms in modern hybrid vehicles, including those from Toyota and Mazda.
21. Variable valve timing has been used to improve the efficiency of Atkinson and Miller cycle engines.
22. Mazda has revived the concept of the Miller cycle engine with their Skyactiv-X engine, which also features a small Roots-type supercharger.