Rotary Engine Seal Shielding for High-Temperature Gas Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to adequately seal combustion chambers of a rotary internal combustion engines, specifically, the rotor and rotor housings, specifically, the seal and rotor housings, which are delimited radially by the rotor and rotor housings, which are subjected to high pressure and thermal loads.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly for a rotary internal combustion engine featuring a seal with an elastomeric member and a shield, where the shield is made of braided ceramic fibers with a melting point above combustion gas temperatures, protecting the elastomeric member from thermal damage and maintaining a seal between the rotor housing and side housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastomeric seal is used to seal the interface between rotor housing and side housing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal cannot withstand high temperatures from combustion gases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure combining an elastomeric member for sealing functionality with a shield made of heat-resistant material (such as ceramic matrix composite or coated metal) for thermal protection. The shield is positioned between the combustion gases and the elastomeric member, creating a protective barrier that allows the elastomeric material to function at elevated temperatures without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield acts as an intermediary element between the high-temperature combustion gases and the elastomeric seal member. This intermediate component absorbs and blocks the thermal load, preventing direct exposure of the elastomeric material to temperatures that would cause it to fail, while still allowing the seal to maintain its sealing function.
2Ease of operation
If the side housing provides running surface for rotor side seals, then rotational operation is enabled, but the side housing is subjected to high pressure and thermal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The side housing is constructed using composite materials or composite structure, combining materials with high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent thermal resistance properties. This allows the housing to maintain structural integrity under high pressure and thermal loads while still providing the necessary running surface for smooth rotational operation of the rotor.
3Reliability
If a seal is placed at the interface between rotor housing and side housing, then combustion gas leakage is prevented, but the seal is exposed to high temperatures that cause material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-resistant shield serves as a protective intermediary that intercepts thermal energy from combustion gases before it reaches the elastomeric seal member. This mediation protects the seal material from thermal degradation, extending its service life while maintaining sealing reliability throughout the operational period.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield provides beforehand protection by being positioned in advance between the combustion gases and the elastomeric seal, cushioning the seal member from thermal exposure before damage can occur. This preventive measure ensures the seal maintains its properties and functionality throughout its intended service life.
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 solution effectively prevents combustion gas leakage and protects the elastomeric seal from high temperatures, ensuring reliable operation and reduced thermal stress on engine components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric member compressed between the peripheral section of the first side housing and the rotor housing
Implementation Method 2
the shield having a melting point above a temperature of combustion gases inside the rotor cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A housing assembly for a rotary engine, has: a rotor housing extending around an axis, the rotor housing having an inner face facing a rotor cavity; side housings secured to opposite sides of the rotor housing, the rotor cavity bounded axially between the side housings; and a seal received within a groove at an interface between the rotor housing and a first side housing, the groove annularly extending around the axis, located outwardly of the inner face, and overlapping a peripheral section of the first side housing, the seal having: an elastomeric member compressed between the peripheral section and the rotor housing; and a shield disposed inwardly of the elastomeric member, the shield having a melting point above a temperature of combustion gases, the shield in contact with both of the peripheral section of the first side housing and the rotor housing.