Explore the KNOBGEAR blog for the latest insights and developments in high-performance automotive and aviation technologies. Discover in-depth articles on our Range Extender, motor-generator, Birotary engine, sequential shifts, and other innovative products. Stay informed with our updates on engineering solutions, product advancements, and industry trends.
I am a mechanical engineer by profession. I graduated from a technical high school with an aviation focus and then studied transport and handling technology at the Czech Technical University (CVUT), specializing in internal combustion engines. Due to serious health issues, I had to end my studies in the 5th year. I think I was […]
We’re proud to announce that KNOBGEAR was recently featured by Pilot Trainings in their coverage of AERO 2025 – one of the leading global events for general aviation. The article, titled “KNOBGEAR at AERO 2025: Extending the Limits of Electric Flight,” highlights our latest advancements in electric flight technology and how we’re redefining the cockpit
📰 KNOBGEAR Featured in Pilot Trainings – AERO 2025 Spotlight Read Post »
We’re thrilled to have been part of AERO Friedrichshafen 2025! We were honored to exhibit at AERO 2025 in Friedrichshafen and truly grateful for the incredible interest and positive feedback we received. The enthusiasm for our Range Extender and Birotary Engine technology exceeded our expectations and reaffirms the direction we’re heading. We were also excited
AERO Friedrichshafen 2025 Read Post »
Preparations of the Test Frame for the New Birotary Engine New Test We are pleased to inform you about our preparations for a new test of the Birotary engine. It has been two years since the successful completion of the hybrid propulsion project for ultralight aircraft. Unfortunately, a lack of funding has complicated our ability
Birotary Engine New Test Read Post »
In a candid interview, Václav Knob, a renowned engineer and inventor, shares insights into his groundbreaking work in engine technology and his journey as a pioneer in the automotive industry. With over 25 years of experience, Knob has not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle technology but has also left an indelible
Vaclav Knob – The Innovator Behind Vibration-Free Engine Technology Read Post »
The automotive world is abuzz with the latest innovation in range extenders, and this time, it’s coming from the heart of Europe – the Czech Republic. Featured in a recent article on Auto.cz, this breakthrough in automotive technology promises to revolutionize how we think about extending the range of electric vehicles without the usual drawbacks. The
Czech Innovation in Range Extenders – A Vibration-Free Experience Read Post »
In the third and final article of this loosely connected series dealing with the theory of global warming, I will attempt to briefly describe the impact of renewable energy sources and the importance of transitioning from combustion engines to electromobility. In conclusion, I will summarize all my expressed thoughts and specifically the perspective of a contemporary European…
Renewable Energy Sources and Their Impact on Global Warming Read Post »
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Knob and its brand KNOBGEAR, a leader in cutting-edge technological solutions, has been honored with the prestigious Innovation Award at the Cesky Goodwill gala. This recognition underscores our commitment to pioneering advancements in the automotive, racing, and aviation industries, reflecting our relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. For
KNOBGEAR Wins the Cesky Goodwill Innovation Award Read Post »
The Earth represents a thermal system that maintains equilibrium in the long term. The Earth absorbs part of the energy from the Sun and simultaneously emits heat. The rate of heat emission through long-wave electromagnetic radiation depends on the fourth power of Earth’s absolute temperature. This means that if the Earth’s temperature slightly increases due to an imbalance between received and emitted…
Powerful Heat Engines, History and Present of Energy Sources Read Post »
In the last few decades, the automotive industry has undergone a significant shift in the quest to achieve more eco-friendly and energy-efficient propulsion. The concept of hybrid drives has become a key topic. While vehicle electrification offers a cleaner alternative, especially in densely populated areas, internal combustion engines still hold their place in the market
Project Range Extender: Another Step in Hybrid Technology Read Post »
Introduction Many of us are currently following everything related to the theory of global warming, the influence of CO2 gas, electromobility, zero-emission energy, and other related issues. Many feel that some assertions and their logical reasoning are somewhat lame. I work in the engineering industry, and I am not a climate expert. However, I successfully
Reflections on the Problem of Global Warming Read Post »
We are excited to share that we have reached another significant milestone in our journey— the completion and first start of our Range Extender! In this phase, we meticulously assembled each component of the Range Extender, ensuring precision and adherence to our high standards of quality. The process was both challenging and rewarding, marking the culmination of months of hard work and innovation.
Assembling and First Start of the Range Extender Read Post »
In the ever-evolving world of ultralight aviation, finding a suitable power unit has always been a challenge. While electric solutions are often touted as the future of aviation, the reality is that current battery capacity and their weight do not meet even the basic requirements of ultralight aviation. This makes long flights impractical and increases
A Unique Birotary Engine: The Solution for Ultralight Aircraft Power Units Read Post »
As mentioned in the article “Technology,” one of the primary sources of vibrations in an engine comes from moving components. In our range extender design, the crankshaft balancing procedure is different from the common engine. The individual crank mechanisms are meticulously balanced to ensure that unbalanced rotary masses are counterbalanced 100%. While the sliding masses
Range Extender Crankshaft Balancing Read Post »
We are excited to share that we have successfully completed balancing procedure for our range extender. However, it’s important to note that we encountered some challenges, and the process wasn’t entirely seamless. The camshaft posed a significant balancing challenge due to its small size, lightweight, and inherent imbalance. Initially, we attempted static balancing, similar to
Range Extender Camshaft Balancing Read Post »
We completed the main tasks related to the Range extender test frame. This step was crucial because we have now correctly positioned the engine and have installed the majority of the necessary accessories, such as coolers, a fuel tank, an ECU, electric wiring, electric load, and more. You can see the results in the pictures
Range Extender Test Frame Finalization Read Post »
In this post, I would like to update you on the progress of the presentation test frame for our Range extender prototype. Currently, the range extender carter is ready. We are now focusing on the motor frame, which will house all the necessary accessories, including the tank, radiator, and wiring. The pictures below show the
Preparing the Frame for the Range Extender Prototype Read Post »
In this post, we would like to share our progress in Range Extender Parts Preparation for the prototype of the range extender. Our prototype will be assembled from two series-produced Honda engines. These engines need to be disassembled, cleaned, and have some of their parts modified, such as the case and crankshaft, among others… More
Range Extender Parts Preparation Read Post »
We have completed the manufacturing of generators, which will serve as loads for the engine. These generators will produce electric energy that will be consumed in the infra-radiator unit and simulate load.
Manufacturing of Range Extender Generators Read Post »
