
The inventor of the internal combustion engine is Karl Benz. Below is a detailed introduction to automotive internal combustion engines: 1. Overview: An internal combustion engine is a type of power machinery that converts the heat energy released by burning fuel directly into mechanical energy. Broadly speaking, internal combustion engines include not only reciprocating piston engines, rotary piston engines, and free-piston engines but also rotary turbine jet engines. However, the term 'internal combustion engine' typically refers to piston-type internal combustion engines. 2. Principle: A piston-type internal combustion engine mixes fuel and air, which is then burned inside the cylinder, releasing heat energy that generates high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The expansion of this gas drives the piston to perform work, and the mechanical energy is then output through a crankshaft linkage or other mechanisms to drive machinery. Common types include diesel and gasoline engines, which convert internal energy into mechanical energy by performing work to alter internal energy.

Who invented the internal combustion engine? It's a long story, dating back to the 19th century. I think it was a relay race: in 1816, Nicéphore Niépce conducted experiments but didn't succeed, then in 1860, Étienne Lenoir developed the first usable coal gas internal combustion engine for industrial use. In 1876, Nikolaus Otto invented the four-stroke gasoline engine, which is essentially the heart of modern cars, much more efficient. In 1885, Karl Benz mounted it on a tricycle, creating the first automobile, followed by Rudolf Diesel who developed the diesel engine in 1892. The entire process wasn't the achievement of a single individual, but rather the successive innovations of these geniuses that pulled the world from the horse-drawn carriage era into the automobile age, spurring the development of highways, urban expansion, and even the rise of the petroleum industry. Without these breakthroughs, our daily commutes and freight transport would be problematic.

When it comes to the inventors of internal combustion engines, Nikolaus Otto is a central figure. His 1876 Otto cycle engine was groundbreaking, efficiently running on gasoline. Before that, Étienne Lenoir's gas engine was quite practical. Later, Rudolf Diesel developed the diesel engine, which was better suited for heavy-duty tasks. These designs laid the foundation for today's automotive power—gasoline and diesel engine differences all stem from them. Why is it important? Because it made car engines more powerful and reliable, replacing steam engines and keeping repair shops busy—from spark plug maintenance to oil changes, all originated here. The entire automotive industry took off, giving us the culture of family cars and trucks, transforming the way we commute.

Among the inventors of internal combustion engines, Nikolaus Otto is the most famous, with his 1876 four-stroke design being a turning point. Étienne Lenoir's early gas engine and Rudolf Diesel's later diesel engine also made significant contributions. It enabled Karl Benz to build the first automobile in 1885, changing history. Without it, cars would still be a dream. Today's high-speed driving and long-distance travel are all powered by this spark that ignited the automotive revolution, impacting global trade and personal lives.


