Rotating Valve Discs for Engine Cylinder Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional internal combustion engines have complex and inefficient camshaft-controlled poppet-valve mechanisms that restrict air and fuel mixture flow and require significant maintenance, necessitating a simpler and more effective mechanism for controlling intake and exhaust valves.

Innovation Solution

A rotating valve port system where rotating valve discs align with fixed ports in the engine cylinder, driven by the crankshaft, eliminating the need for a camshaft and reciprocating valve train, and allowing direct flow without obstruction, with optional centrifugal compressor integration for improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If camshaft-controlled reciprocating poppet-valve mechanisms are used, then valve timing control is achieved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve train complexityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the camshaft and reciprocating valve train components from the engine system, replacing them with a direct rotating valve port mechanism in the cylinder wall. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity and eliminates the maintenance issues associated with camshaft lobes, lifters, push rods, and rocker arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a camshaft to actively open valves through reciprocating motion, the invention inverts the approach by using a rotating cylinder with ports that passively allow flow based on rotational position. The valve action is achieved through the rotation of the cylinder itself rather than through a separate camshaft mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If camshaft-controlled poppet valves are used, then valve timing is controlled, but flow restriction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve train structureVSAvoidair/fuel mixture flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the physical poppet valves and camshaft mechanism that create flow resistance. By removing these components and using direct port alignment in the rotating cylinder, the air/fuel mixture flows directly into the combustion chamber without obstruction, significantly improving volumetric efficiency and flow productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If conventional valve train components are used, then valve timing control is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve timing adjustmentVSAvoidcomponent precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the entire camshaft-driven valve train system including lifters, push rods, and rocker arms. This eliminates the need for precise manufacturing and adjustment of multiple interconnected components, replacing them with a single rotating cylinder whose port timing is determined by its rotational position relative to the crankshaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If reciprocating poppet valves are used, then valve timing function is provided, but weight of moving parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve train componentsVSAvoidvalve train mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes all heavy reciprocating components including the camshaft, lifters, push rods, and rocker arms. The replacement rotating valve port cylinder has significantly less moving mass, reducing inertial forces and improving engine dynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 rotating valve port system simplifies valve timing, reduces maintenance, enhances flow efficiency, and improves engine performance by eliminating the camshaft and valve train complexity, while the centrifugal compressor further boosts air pressure and volumetric efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating valve port system where rotating valve discs align with fixed ports in the engine cylinder, driven by the crankshaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 2

optional centrifugal compressor integration for improved efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal compression: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11401840B2Apparatus and method for valve timing in an internal combustion engine

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 LSE R&D ENG LTD

AI summary

Apparatus for controlling valve timing in an internal combustion engine locates a first valve port in a first side of the engine cylinder and a second valve port in a second side of the engine cylinder. A first rotating valve disc and a second rotating valve disc are respectively disposed next to the first and second valve port. Each rotating valve disc includes a valve port. Each disc rotates in synchronism with the crankshaft to align its' port with the respective first and second valve ports. A variety of intake devices coupled to the first rotating valve disc control intake air flow into the engine cylinder, and a variety of exhaust devices coupled to the second rotating valve disc control exhaust gas flow from the engine cylinder.