Asymmetric Rotating Core Engine for High Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reciprocating piston and rotary engines face limitations in power density, mechanical efficiency, and vibration, with a need for improved designs that enhance power strokes, reduce wear, and increase efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rotatable shaft with a convex, non-round 'island' and a reciprocating concave contour, forming a flexible working volume that allows for high Atkinson Ratio cycles, reduced vibrations, and increased mechanical transfer efficiency, using a combination of side plates and contour assemblies to define multiple working volumes and optimize combustion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional reciprocating piston engine is used, then the design is simple and reliable, but the power density is low and mechanical efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is divided into multiple independent working volumes (cylinders) that can operate simultaneously. Each cylinder has its own piston, contour, and valve assembly, allowing parallel power generation and increasing overall power density without requiring a single complex large-scale mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine transitions from a single-dimension linear piston motion to a two-dimensional rotating contour mechanism. The contour rotates in a plane perpendicular to the cylinder axis, creating a flexible working volume that enables multiple power strokes per revolution and increases power density.
2Loss of energy
If a conventional rotary engine is used, then the design is compact, but the mechanical transfer efficiency is reduced and vibrations are high
Solution Approach 1:
The contour is designed with an asymmetric, non-circular cross-section that creates an eccentric rotating mechanism. This asymmetry generates a useful working volume variation during rotation, improving mechanical transfer efficiency by optimizing the power stroke geometry while reducing harmful vibrations through balanced mass distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The working volume is made dynamic and flexible rather than fixed. The contour rotates freely in a bearing, allowing the working volume to expand and contract adaptively during the power stroke, which improves mechanical efficiency by optimizing pressure-volume work while reducing rigid-body vibrations.
3Productivity
If the number of power strokes per revolution is increased, then power density improves, but the complexity of the valve timing and control mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve timing functions are merged into a single rotating contour mechanism. The same contour that defines the working volume also actuates both intake and exhaust valves through its rotation, eliminating the need for separate valve timing mechanisms for each cylinder and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating contour serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the working volume boundaries, actuates intake valves, actuates exhaust valves, and provides the mechanical drive for the power stroke. This multi-functionality increases power strokes per revolution without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If high Atkinson Ratio cycles are implemented, then thermal efficiency improves, but the design complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Atkinson Ratio is achieved by changing the geometric parameters of the contour cross-section rather than complex valve timing. By optimizing the shape and dimensions of the rotating contour, the engine naturally achieves high expansion ratios during the power stroke, improving thermal efficiency through parameter optimization rather than complex mechanism design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in higher power density, reduced engine case vibrations, increased mechanical transfer efficiency, and a higher number of power strokes per revolution, while minimizing wear and parts, leading to improved engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a machine used to combust fuel-air mixtures thereby converting chemical energy to rotational kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one preloading spring disposed proximate to each of the apex points, the at least one preloading spring can be adapted to urge the apex points against the first island
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides engines or pumps that includes a rotatable shaft defining a central axis A, the shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft can have an elongate first island disposed thereon. The first island can have a body with a volume generally defined between front and rear surfaces that are spaced apart. The front and rear surfaces can lie in a plane parallel to a radial axis R. The perimeters of the front and rear surfaces can define a curved perimeter surface therebetween. The engine or pump can further include a front side plate disposed adjacent to the front surface of the first island, and a rear side plate disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the first island. The engine or pump also includes a first contour assembly disposed between the front side plate and the rear side plate.