Rotary Engine Planetary Gear Torque Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary internal combustion engines face limitations in torque production and fuel efficiency, particularly at lower rotational speeds, due to suboptimal design and gear train configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of planetary gear trains, precise calculation of piston angular distance using fundamental formulae, division of combustion chambers for a 'short-stroke effect', and a unique force transmission system with unidirectional rotation devices, along with a concentric design that allows for longer torque lever-arms and improved thermal efficiency, enhances torque production and reduces fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional parallel shaft gear trains are used in rotary engines, then the engine structure is simpler to manufacture, but torque production is limited and the engine cannot achieve high torque at lower rotational speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear train is segmented into multiple independent planet gears orbiting around a central sun gear, allowing torque to be distributed and multiplied through multiple gear engagement points simultaneously. This segmentation enables high torque multiplication while maintaining a compact concentric structure that fits within the rotary engine's rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear train employs a nested configuration where planet gears are positioned within the annular space between the sun gear and the ring gear, creating a compact concentric arrangement. This nesting allows the gear train to achieve high torque multiplication without increasing the overall radial dimension, enabling integration into the rotary engine's limited space while maintaining simplicity of manufacture.
2Force
If paddles are located close to the rotation axis for simpler structural design, then manufacturing is easier, but torque production is significantly reduced due to shorter lever arm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a conventional crankshaft-based linear motion conversion to a direct rotary motion mechanism where paddles are positioned at the periphery of the rotating assembly. This dimensional change allows the paddles to operate at maximum radius from the axis, maximizing the torque lever arm while the planetary gear train handles the speed reduction and torque multiplication, simplifying the overall structural design.
3Power
If combustion chambers are designed with longer stroke for higher power output, then power increases, but thermal efficiency decreases and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the combustion chamber geometry by precisely calculating the angular thickness of pistons and the positioning of combustion chambers relative to the planetary gear train. This parameter optimization allows the engine to achieve high power output through efficient torque multiplication at the gear train output rather than through increased combustion chamber volume or stroke, thereby maintaining thermal efficiency while delivering high power.
4Power
If high rotational speeds are used to increase power output, then power increases, but fuel consumption increases and torque at lower speeds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional approach of increasing rotational speed to achieve higher power with a mechanical advantage system using planetary gear trains. The gear train provides torque multiplication that allows the engine to produce high power output at lower rotational speeds, eliminating the need to operate at high speeds and thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining adequate torque across the operating range.
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 enables the production of greater torque with lower fuel consumption, even at lower rotational speeds, compared to conventional engines, by optimizing torque production and thermal efficiency through precise geometric calculations and innovative force transmission mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first and second planetary gear trains respectively for reducing a rotational speed of the drive shaft and for multiplying a torque of the drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
each of the piston, hub and side-disk assembly sets having first and second pistons that are fixed on a side disk diametrically opposite each other with a hub therebetween, the hubs cooperating with each other so that the first and second pistons, hub and side disk of the first piston, hub and side-disk assembly can also rotate relative to the first and second pistons, hub and side disk of the second piston, hub and side-disc assembly
Implementation Method 3
engine block means for defining at least one combustion chamber whose center line is located on the circumference of a circle
Implementation Method 4
spark plug, glow plug or fuel injector for admitting fuel into the chamber, whereby to define at least one ignition point for an air/fuel explosion in the combustión chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary internal combustion engine, comprising at least one first and second piston, hub and side-disk assembly set each of the piston, hub and side-disk assembly sets having first and second pistons that are fixed on a side disk diametrically opposite each other, the hubs cooperating with each other so that the first and second pistons, hub and side disk of the first piston, hub and side-disk assembly can also rotate relative to the first and second pistons, hub and side disk of the second piston, hub and side-disc assembly, such that in operation one of said pistons will be a leading piston and one a trailing piston said disks being connected to the periphery of a set of two one way clutches or ratchets placed back-to-back, one being adapted to connect and disconnect with the shaft and therefore provide for fast moving/direct torque and the other being adapted to connect/disconnect with a planetary gear train's planets carrier and therefore provide a multiplied torque-to-force advancement of the trailing piston.