Air-Cooled Rotary Engine Axial Rotor Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing internal combustion engines face challenges in efficiently managing heat dissipation without increasing weight, complexity, or exposing users to danger, as traditional methods either require large engine compartments or pose safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A rotary engine design with a dedicated cooling chamber and axial channels within the rotor, utilizing a single fuel source and counterweights, and incorporating a removably attachable fuel cartridge, which allows for compact, lightweight, and efficient cooling through axial airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If liquid cooling systems with channels and radiators are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cooling function from the traditional liquid cooling system by removing radiators and cooling channels, replacing them with an air-cooled system that uses the engine's own external surfaces and a simple fan for heat dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from liquid cooling to air cooling by using atmospheric air as the cooling medium, eliminating the need for liquid circulation systems, pumps, and radiators while maintaining effective heat removal through convection and radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If external heat-radiating fins are added to engine surfaces, then cooling surface area is increased, but engine compartment size must increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation capabilityVSAvoidengine compartment volume

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the engine housing and external surfaces serve dual functions: structural containment and heat radiation surfaces. The housing itself becomes the cooling surface, eliminating the need for separate fin structures and reducing overall engine compartment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engine's own external surfaces and housing structure provide the cooling function without requiring additional external cooling components. The system uses its inherent geometry to dissipate heat, reducing the need for expanded engine compartments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If external heat-radiating fins are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but user safety is compromised due to exposed hot surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoiduser safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hazardous external fins that exposed users to hot surfaces, replacing the heat dissipation function with internal air cooling channels and a fan system that keeps cooling surfaces away from users while maintaining effective thermal management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Temperature

If dedicated cooling chambers with axial airflow channels are implemented, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rotor into multiple segments with integrated axial cooling channels, allowing each segment to be manufactured separately and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective cooling pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the cooling channels directly into the rotor structure itself, merging the cooling function with the rotational component rather than requiring separate cooling assemblies, thereby reducing part count and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The engine achieves a compact, lightweight, quiet, and fuel-efficient design while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost, with effective heat management and safety features.

Implementation Method 1

the cooling chamber is configured to receive flow of a cooling medium therethrough that also comes into contact with the rotor so as to cool the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the cooling chamber is configured to receive axial flow of the cooling medium therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The ribs may be angled so as to serve as fan blades to pump the cooling medium through the cooling chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP2948630B1Air-cooled rotary engine

Publication Date: 2019.08.21 LIQUIDPISTON INC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 1E~1F

AI summary

An internal combustion rotary engine includes an air passage configured to allow cool air to flow through the rotor as the rotor moves relative to the housing within the engine. Some embodiments include a removable fuel cartridge.