Solenoids are everywhere. They open the water valve in your dishwasher, control the flow of gas in your stove, regulate ink delivery in printers, and play a crucial role under the hood of your car.

The once-almighty Mitsubishi Motors may have relegated themselves to building cheap small cars and Nissan-derived crossovers, but it was an indomitable powerhouse of innovation back in the day.

The emissions system of your car does a lot to help make its exhaust more bearable to deal with. But it wouldn't be nearly as ...