Rotary Machine Hub Driven Four Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary engines face challenges in achieving efficient combustion cycles with low friction and effective sealing in compact designs, leading to inefficiencies in power generation and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
The rotary machine incorporates a compact design with an oval-shaped housing, central shaft, and gear system, utilizing pivoting linkages and 'frictionless' bearings to achieve controlled reciprocation motion, allowing for two to four combustion events per revolution without valves, and employs a combination of gears, chains, belts, and crankshafts for power transfer, along with internal fluid circulation for cooling and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact rotary engine design is used, then space utilization is improved, but friction and sealing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sliding contacts with magnetic levitation bearings that use magnetic fields to suspend and support the rotor assembly, eliminating physical contact and thereby eliminating friction losses entirely. This allows the compact rotary design to maintain high efficiency despite reduced dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid coupling system that uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to transmit power and control combustion timing without mechanical valves or direct mechanical connections. This fluid-based approach reduces friction and wear while maintaining effective power transfer in the compact configuration.
2Reliability
If traditional valve mechanisms are used, then combustion control is improved, but device complexity and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates traditional mechanical valve train components (camshafts, rocker arms, pushrods) by using magnetically controlled fluid couplings and electronically timed spark ignition to control combustion. This substitution of mechanical systems with magnetic and electronic controls reduces complexity while maintaining precise combustion timing and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls combustion timing by varying magnetic field parameters and electronic ignition timing rather than through mechanical valve positioning. This parameter-based control method achieves precise combustion management with fewer moving parts and reduced mechanical complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing effectiveness in compact designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical seals with magnetic seals that use magnetic fields to prevent gas leakage at the rotor housing interface. This magnetic sealing method maintains effective sealing in the compact design without requiring complex mechanical seal assemblies, balancing manufacturability with sealing reliability.
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 enhances power generation efficiency, reduces friction, and improves sealing, enabling the rotary machine to produce usable work with lower fuel consumption and increased power density in a compact space.
Implementation Method 1
Oil for fluid cooling and lubrication can be provided for temperature regulation of the rotary machine
Implementation Method 2
Oil for fluid cooling and lubrication can be provided for temperature regulation of the rotary machine
Implementation Method 3
a rotary machine to combust an air-fuel mixture that releases chemical energy and produces usable work at a rotating shaft
Implementation Method 4
Two large bearings (e.g., either ball, roller or oil film, for example) are provided to support the rotating main shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Rotary machines are disclosed that include, in one embodiment, a rotatable shaft defining a central axis A, the shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft can have a first hub that defines a first gearbox disposed thereon with a plurality pivots. At least one contour also having pivots is connected to the first gearbox pivots by two linkages exterior to the first gearbox. The contour has a convex outer surface that cooperates with an inwardly facing curved surface of a housing to form a working volume. A gearbox mechanism including gears, crankshafts, bearings and connecting rods creates an oscillatory motion 2 times per revolution in the linkages such that the contour is forced to navigate about the arcuate cavity without contacting the cavity at a high rate of rotating speed.