Embedded Files
Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Define what a distributor is and explain their role in the supply chain.
Identify and differentiate the various types of distributors.
Analyze the advantages and limitations of using different types of distributors in business operations.
A distributor is an electric and mechanical device used in the ignition system of older spark ignition engines. The distributor's main function is to route electricity from the ignition coil to each spark plug at the correct time. A distributor consists of a rotating arm ('rotor') that is attached to the top of a rotating 'distributor shaft'. The rotor constantly receives high-voltage electricity from an ignition coil via brushes at the centre of the rotor. As the rotor spins, its tip passes close to (but does not touch) the output contacts for each cylinder. As the electrified tip passes each output contact, the high-voltage electricity is able to 'jump' across the small gap.[1] This burst of electricity then travels to the spark plug (via high tension leads), where it ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
On most overhead valve engines, the distributor shaft is driven by a gear on the camshaft, often shared with the oil pump; on most overhead camshaft engines, the distributor shaft is attached directly to a camshaft.
Older distributor designs used a cam on the distributor shaft that operates the contact breaker (also called points). Opening the points causes a high induction voltage in the ignition coil.[1] This design was superseded by an electronically controlled ignition coil with a sensor (usually Hall effect or optical) to control the timing of the ignition coil charging.
Advantages of Using Distributors
Advantages of Using Distributors
Wider market reach
Reduced logistics burden for manufacturers
Local market expertise
Cost savings on warehousing and transportation
Limitations of Using Distributors
Limitations of Using Distributors
Less control over brand presentation
Dependency on distributor performance
Lower profit margins due to intermediary costs
PARTS OF DISTRIBUTOR
Distributor Housing: The housing serves as the structural base for the distributor, encasing all the internal components and protecting them from external elements like dust and moisture. It's typically made of durable materials like aluminum or plastic.
Distributor Housing: The housing serves as the structural base for the distributor, encasing all the internal components and protecting them from external elements like dust and moisture. It's typically made of durable materials like aluminum or plastic.
Distributor Shaft: This rotating shaft is directly connected to the engine's camshaft, enabling it to spin at half the camshaft's speed. The distributor shaft's rotation is crucial for the distributor's operation.
Distributor Shaft: This rotating shaft is directly connected to the engine's camshaft, enabling it to spin at half the camshaft's speed. The distributor shaft's rotation is crucial for the distributor's operation.
Rotor: The rotor is a small, rotating arm attached to the top of the distributor shaft. It has a contact tip that passes close to a series of stationary terminals inside the distributor cap.
Contact Points: These are the electrical contacts that interrupt the flow of current to the ignition coil, creating the spark necessary for ignition. In older distributors, these are physical points that make and break contact, while in newer models, they are replaced by electronic sensors.
Contact Points: These are the electrical contacts that interrupt the flow of current to the ignition coil, creating the spark necessary for ignition. In older distributors, these are physical points that make and break contact, while in newer models, they are replaced by electronic sensors.
Distributor Cap: This is the insulating cover that sits atop the distributor housing. It houses the stationary terminals that the rotor tip contacts, ensuring proper distribution of high-voltage electricity.
Distributor Cap: This is the insulating cover that sits atop the distributor housing. It houses the stationary terminals that the rotor tip contacts, ensuring proper distribution of high-voltage electricity.
Spark Plug Wires: These are the insulated wires that carry the high-voltage spark from the distributor cap to the corresponding spark plugs in each cylinder.
Spark Plug Wires: These are the insulated wires that carry the high-voltage spark from the distributor cap to the corresponding spark plugs in each cylinder.
Vacuum Advance: This mechanism automatically adjusts the ignition timing based on the engine's vacuum level, improving engine performance and fuel economy.
Centrifugal Advance: This mechanism also adjusts the ignition timing based on engine RPM, preventing engine knocking at high speeds.
Centrifugal Advance: This mechanism also adjusts the ignition timing based on engine RPM, preventing engine knocking at high speeds.
Condenser: In older distributors, a condenser is used to reduce electrical interference caused by the opening and closing of the contact points.
Summary:
Summary:
Distributors are essential players in the supply chain, helping manufacturers reach customers efficiently. There are various types of distributors—exclusive, intensive, selective, wholesale, VARs, and direct—each with distinct characteristics and strategic value. Understanding these types helps businesses make informed decisions on how best to distribute their products in different markets.
References:
References:
Halderman, J. D. (2016). Automotive technology: Principles, diagnosis, and service (5th ed.). Pearson Education.
Erjavec, J. (2014). Automotive technology: A systems approach (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
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