Rotary Engine Block Sealing via Stationary Case Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary combustion engine designs face challenges with suboptimal sealing between the rotating block and the stationary case, leading to issues with centrifugal forces, friction, and lubrication problems, which result in inefficiencies and leaks.
Innovation Solution
The rotary combustion engine block sealing employs a design where transverse and radius sealing strips with flexible sealing elements are placed in the stationary case, utilizing springs and notches to maintain contact with the rotating block, thereby reducing frictional forces and enhancing sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing elements are placed in the rotating cylinder block, then sealing between cylinder space and stationary case is achieved, but centrifugal forces cause significant stress, high friction losses and lubrication problems
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are inverted from being placed in the rotating cylinder block to being placed in the stationary case. This inversion eliminates the harmful effect of centrifugal forces acting on the sealing elements, as the stationary case does not rotate. The sealing strips remain effective while avoiding the stress, friction, and lubrication problems caused by rotation.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are used in the stationary case, then sealing performance is improved, but interstices between elements become sources of leaks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing elements (transverse sealing strips and radial sealing strips) are merged into a unified sealing system where they work together to eliminate interstices. The transverse strips seal the perimeter, while radial strips seal the interfaces between combustion chambers, creating a continuous sealing barrier without gaps or leakage paths.
3Reliability
If longer radius sealing strips are used, then sealing coverage is improved, but frictional forces increase and affect transverse sealing strip coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional components: transverse sealing strips for perimeter sealing and radial sealing strips for interface sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with radial strips providing coverage without excessive length that would generate harmful frictional forces on the transverse strips.
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 design effectively seals the rotating block and stationary case, independent of engine speed, allowing for high-speed operation and improved specific parameters by minimizing friction and maintaining a consistent oil film.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing set comprises many elements, and the interstices between them are a source of leaks. Another important source of leaks is represented by any minor deformation or inaccuracy of the sealing strip and its groove in the mutual contact of strips and grooves.
Implementation Method 2
Another issue to be solved is the affect of friction forces to the lateral radius sealing strips. Especially with longer radius sealing strips, the problem lies in the fact that the radius sealing strip is driven by a frictional force, which effects the transverse sealing strip in the coupling of radius and transverse strips.
Implementation Method 3
Those sealing elements were then exposed to centrifugal forces that result from rotation of the rotating block. Together with increasing revolutions that leads to significant stress of these sealing elements, to high friction losses and lubrication problems.
Implementation Method 4
When lubricating the sealing by a mixture of oil in the fuel, it is quite difficult to maintain the oil film on the contact surface of radius sealing strips with the outer surface of the rotating block.
Data Source
AI summary
A block sealing of a rotary combustion engine having a rotating block with radially located cylinders and pistons and an outside stationary case is disclosed. Transverse and/or lateral sealings located in the stationary case fit tight to an outer surface of the block. In circular grooves, a lateral sealing of radius sealing strips with springs situated between adjacent transverse sealing strips placed in transverse grooves is located. Couplings with notches and pressure springs are located in bores of the stationary case for inserting radius sealing strips and transverse sealing strips. The radius sealing strip is provided with a cut-out for interlocking of a stop connected with the stationary case. In the side of the radius sealing strip, a longitudinal groove in which a flexible sealing element and/or transverse sealing strip is made, and at its side, it is provided with a groove in which another flexible sealing element is located.