Replies to post #90295 on Tesla Inc (TSLA)

[jimr1717]

“Better off with a direct cable connected from the accelerator to the engine. It’s more expensive to run than using a simple sensor.”

This is most likely untrue. A $8 cable hooked to the gas pedal vs a sensor on the pedal, a motor to operate the throttle plate and a computer programmed to do so in an efficient way. What you might be missing is the fact that the flyby wire throttle body wasn’t made to save $ on production.
It was made so that its opening can be controlled for the most efficient fuel air ratio.
When a driver mashes the pedal to the floor the butterfly doesn’t open at the rate that the driver requested from the pedal. Instead it opens at a rate that will not only provide the most power from the engine, it will do so in the most efficient way.
In speaking with seasoned aircraft mechanics they have told me that the flyby wire has the same effect on an airplane.
Their example was a little different.
If the pilot moves the wing flaps at too fast of a rate with the hand controls the computer moves the flap in the amount of time that would be less stressful to the aircraft.
Again it would probably cost less to just run a cable to it like the Wright Brothers did.
The current flyby wire technology in the Cyber truck’s steering is remarkable. If you are in a parking lot it requires a half a turn to go from lock to lock. It also turns the rear tires and thus its turning radius is greatly reduced.
I have spent my entire life in the auto repair industry and I am old enough to remember every single growth in automobiles in this period.
Every single one of the things below was never going to last according to both the public and a high percentage of the mechanics.
Power windows, Disc brakes, electronic ignition, ECM’s, BCM’s, Fuel injection, Transmissions with more than 3 speeds,ABS.
It was before my time but I would imagine that air conditioning the car was probably on the list.
The cool part is that every one of those things had its problems and was made better as time passed.
The second coolest part is that Tesla threw away all of the previous thought process and moved away from the stagnant, “let’s add another 2 gears to the transmission, let’s add another turbo, let’s put 4 camshaft’s in it with 18 feet of timing chain.
This person paid attention to the increased cost of labor in today’s work force to replace a poorly designed cam phaser and made an adjustment that will surely go into the history books.
BTW when electronic ignition first came out there were some manufacturers that did a better job than others as well as the first computer cars. All that was needed was time to better it.
It’s run its course and they have beat the horse to death. The only thing left is maybe a 24 speed transmission or 6 turbo chargers.

[PioneerPhoenix73]

Fred Flintstone's foot-powered vehicle, a marvel of Stone Age engineering, is immune to such threats.

Here's why:

Mechanical Simplicity: Fred's car relies on a straightforward mechanical system: human power directly applied to the wheels. There are no complex electronic systems, sensors, or computer modules to be affected by electromagnetic interference or power surges.

Robust Construction: The vehicle, crafted from sturdy stone, is unlikely to be damaged by solar flares or geomagnetic storms. Its solid construction ensures durability and reliability, even in the harshest prehistoric environments.

Direct Energy Source: Fred's foot power provides a consistent and reliable energy source, unaffected by fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field or cosmic radiation.

No Dependence on External Systems: Unlike modern vehicles, which rely on external infrastructure like charging stations and communication networks, Fred's car is self-sufficient. It operates independently, eliminating the risk of disruptions caused by power outages or network failures.

Resilience to Environmental Factors: Fred's car is designed to withstand the rigors of the Stone Age, including extreme weather conditions, uneven terrain, and the occasional dinosaur encounter. Its simplicity and robustness make it highly adaptable to changing circumstances.

In conclusion, while modern vehicles offer convenience and advanced features, they also introduce potential vulnerabilities to external factors. Fred Flintstone's foot-powered car, on the other hand, stands as a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and mechanical ingenuity. It is a timeless example of a vehicle that is not only reliable but also immune to the disruptive forces of the modern world.