Monthly Archives: July 2013

Ford Motor Company Uses Thermal Imaging Technology to Detect Interior Leaks

Thermal imaging cameras that help detect air leaks in vehicles, helping create quieter cabins.

Thermal imaging cameras that help detect air leaks in vehicles, helping create quieter cabins.

The engineers at Ford Motor Company are now utilizing technology that has traditionally been used by law enforcement and our military to catch high-level criminals. They  are using this technology to help them find leaks and help improve the overall interior quietness of the vehicle.

Thermal imaging cameras capture the radiation present then display it as an infrared image. The engineers then use this information to look at hot spots where the heated air escapes from the vehicle.

Ford Vs. Competition

According to data from Ford’s U.S. Global Quality Research System, the 2013 Ford Fusion earned a 67 percent approval rating for interior quietness compared to 58 percent for the 2012 Toyota Camry.*

“Ford is redefining our vehicles through many innovations – both features to improve the driving experience and fuel economy, and advanced new tools to help engineer better vehicles,” said William Dedecker, noise, vibration and harshness engineering supervisor. “We are using thermal imaging to further improve quietness so customers can enjoy the other features our vehicles offer, such as audio systems… and even the sounds of silence.”

Closing the Gap

Not only does this help Ford reduce noise and control air leaks; it helps increases heating and cooling efficiency by reducing energy loss, similar to how sealing a home prevents leaks of heated air in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

Before thermal imaging, Ford engineers relied on sensory findings to prevent air leaks. They would fill the car with smoke, then watch for the smoke to exit from small holes. They also walked around a vehicle and would feel for air leakage. In addition, they relied on non-medical stethoscopes to try to hear air leaking from the cabin, a method they still rely on to some extent.

While successful, these approaches were not as consistent. With the use of thermal imaging, engineers can speed up development time by finding results at a faster rate.

Engineers have identified several key areas that are vulnerable to air leaks and letting noise into a vehicle, including moonroofs, window glass, door trim, trunk lids and liftgates, doors and the base of the windshield.

Check out the full Ford lineup at www.ReedHasIt.com!

Read the whole store here: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=38210

 

Hybrid Face-off: 2013 Ford Fusion vs 2013 Toyota Camry

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

As hybrid technology becomes easier to produce, the demand for these eco-friendly vehicles continues to increase year over year. That puts the pressure on the manufacturers to step up and focus their efforts on both producing the most efficient and the more stylish hybrids.

Ford Motor Company has emerged as the industry leader with their completely redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion has a 2.0L engine with a total 188 horsepower that produces 47 miles per gallon for city, highway and combined. According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2013 Ford Fusion ranked #1 in the most affordable midsize car and hybrid car. Not only is the Ford Fusion affordable with excellent fuel economy, but it also comes with Ford EcoGuide which coaches you to get the best MPG. Other technology available includes MyFord Touch, which allows drivers to access to their phone, navigation, climate and entertainment all hands-free.

2013 Camry hybrid Dallas

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2013 Toyota Camry hybrid didn’t fall too short, and took the #2 spot as the most affordable midsize car, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Camry has a 2.5L engine and gets up to 43 city and 39 highway miles per gallon — which is less than the Fusion. Toyota offers the Entune infotainment system, which syncs with your smartphone and uses your data plan to access things like Bing and Pandora.

Overall it’s pretty clear the Ford Fusion is the winner in this segment based on exterior, interior performance and technology. When you have made up your mind, visit ReedHasIt.com to schedule a test drive of the 2013 Ford Fusion.