Definition of ignition key

The term "ignition key" refers to a mechanical device used in traditional combustion engines to start the engine. It also goes by the name "crank key" or "starting key." The origin of this name can be traced back to the early days of internal combustion engines when they were still in the experimental stage. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some of the earliest internal combustion engines were started by turning a hand-crank located at the front of the car. The crank rotated the pistons inside the engine, which in turn created enough force to move the car. However, starting the engine was not an easy task, as the crank required a lot of rotational force to initiate the combustion process. To make starting the engine easier, engineers designed a simple mechanical device called the ignition key, which was inserted into a cylindrical opening on the crank. The key had a series of teeth or notches on the end, which engaged a mechanism inside the engine that sent electric current to the spark plugs. When the key was turned, it cranked the engine, creating the necessary force to ignite the fuel mixture. Once the engine was running, the driver could remove the key and shift the car into gear. The ignition key remained a standard feature of traditional engines until the 1970s, when many cars began using electronic ignition systems. Today, the term "ignition key" is still used to describe the mechanical key used to operate older vehicles with traditional ignition systems. It serves as a reminder of the origins of automotive technology and the crucial role that simple but ingenious solutions played in the development of the modern car.