Revolving Piston Engine Torque Transfer via Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines with reciprocating parts suffer from energy loss due to moving parts interacting in opposite directions, while designs without reciprocating parts often have increased complexity, contact leading to energy loss and wear, and leakage issues.

Innovation Solution

A non-reciprocating engine design featuring an expandable combustion compartment formed by a stator and casing with revolving parts that minimize contact and leakage, allowing for variable combustion timing and fuel usage without the need for sealing, using a piston and disc to create a large surface area for efficient torque transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If reciprocating parts are used in internal combustion engines, then the engine can generate torque from pressure difference, but a large share of energy is lost in moving the parts in opposite directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque generationVSAvoidenergy loss in reciprocating motion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional reciprocating motion by using continuous rotational motion instead. The combustion chamber rotates with the piston, eliminating the back-and-forth reciprocating motion that causes energy loss, while still generating torque from pressure differences through the rotational cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic sealing surfaces where the piston and combustion chamber maintain continuous contact during rotation. This dynamic contact allows the system to adapt to varying pressure and temperature conditions throughout the combustion cycle, improving energy efficiency compared to static sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If designs without reciprocating parts are used, then energy loss from reciprocating motion is reduced, but complexity of number of moving parts and moving surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss from reciprocating motionVSAvoidcomplexity of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the piston, combustion chamber, and sealing mechanisms into a single integrated rotating assembly. This combination reduces the number of separate moving parts while maintaining the necessary functions, as the combustion chamber itself serves as both the combustion space and the sealing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating combustion chamber performs multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the combustion process, provides sealing against the stationary stator, transfers torque to the output shaft, and facilitates the intake and exhaust cycles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sealing mechanisms are used to reduce leakage, then performance is improved, but drag and wear of parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveperformanceVSAvoiddrag and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing mechanisms (such as piston rings and seals) with a dynamic sealing system based on controlled contact between the rotating piston and stationary stator. This substitution eliminates the need for complex sealing components that cause drag and wear, while maintaining effective sealing through the continuous contact interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If smaller contact surfaces are used between moving parts, then drag and wear are reduced, but leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrag and wearVSAvoidleakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved and tapered sealing surfaces between the rotating piston and stationary stator, creating a wedge-shaped gap that utilizes hydrodynamic pressure to prevent leakage. The curved geometry allows the contact area to be optimized for both sealing effectiveness and minimal friction, as the pressure distribution across the curved surface prevents gas leakage without requiring large flat contact areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS10094218B1Continuous motion revolving piston engine

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 HARTMANS GERT WILLEM

AI summary

This invention of a continuous motion revolving piston engine describes a machine comprising piston(s) fitted to rings that revolve around a stator circular base which has a cavity in which a disc fits to create a closed combustion compartment together with the casing. The disc has a disc cavity to allow the piston to pass. The rotation of the disc and piston are synchronized to allow the piston to pass through the disc cavity. As there are no reciprocating parts and optionally enables an oil free operation, it is more efficient and has cleaner exhaust than existing engines.