Variable Volume Chamber Device Using Interconnected Pivoting Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal combustion engines face inefficiencies due to the constant reversing motion of pistons, which eliminates momentum conservation, and require lubricants that lead to maintenance issues and emissions, while rotary engines have lower combustion chamber compression ratios and emissions challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of interconnected pivoting vanes to define variable volume chambers for combustion, supercharging, and heat engine functions, which preserves momentum, reduces lubricant dependency, and enhances combustion charge pressure and compression ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If piston type engines use variable volume combustion chambers to compress combustion charge, then combustion charge pressure and air mass are increased, but momentum conservation is eliminated due to constant reversing motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static reciprocating piston motion to dynamic rotary vane motion. The vanes rotate continuously within the combustion chamber, maintaining momentum while dynamically adjusting chamber volume to achieve compression. This dynamic approach allows the system to preserve the inertial benefits of continuous motion while still achieving the variable volume necessary for compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the rotational cycle of the vanes, which periodically change the combustion chamber volume as they rotate. This periodic volume change achieves compression without requiring the piston to reverse direction, thereby maintaining momentum conservation while still providing the necessary compression cycles for power generation.
2Productivity
If piston type engines use variable volume combustion chambers to increase air mass, then efficiency and power are improved, but lubricant dependency increases leading to maintenance issues and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the traditional mechanical piston-crank-slider system with a rotary vane mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex lubrication systems required by reciprocating components, thereby reducing lubricant dependency and associated emissions while maintaining the variable volume chamber functionality needed for efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the lubrication system from the engine design by using a rotary vane mechanism that does not require lubricants for sealing or lubrication in the same way reciprocating pistons do. This extraction of the lubricant dependency resolves the harmful emissions issue while preserving the productivity benefits of variable volume compression.
3Loss of energy
If rotary engines use fluid non-stop motion to preserve momentum, then mechanical efficiency is improved, but combustion chamber compression ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic vane rotation to achieve both continuous motion for momentum preservation and variable volume for compression. The vanes dynamically adjust the chamber volume during rotation, allowing the system to maintain the mechanical efficiency benefits of continuous motion while achieving sufficient compression ratios through the changing chamber geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear reciprocating motion to rotary motion, adding a rotational dimension to the volume change mechanism. This dimensional change allows the combustion chamber volume to vary through rotational movement of the vanes rather than linear piston movement, preserving momentum while achieving compression through the rotational cycle.
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 approach improves engine efficiency by preserving momentum, reducing lubricant-related maintenance, and enhancing combustion charge compression, leading to better fuel economy and lower emissions.
Implementation Method 1
Piston type engines take advantage of a variable volume combustion chamber to further increase the pressure of a combustion charge by decreasing the volume of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
Many internal combustion engines generate power using cooperative engine cylinder and piston arrangements that define a variable volume chamber for combustion events
Implementation Method 3
The motion of the engine pistons or the rotors may be used to intake or scavenge an air-fuel mixture or strictly air charge (in fuel injected engines) for combustion and expel spent exhaust gases in multicycle operations
Data Source
AI summary
A variable volume chamber device is disclosed. The chambers may be defined by the space between four pivotally connected vanes contained within two side plates. The vanes may be connected so as to create a sealed interior chamber that may be used as a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine, or as a pumping chamber in a pump or compressor. The four vane assembly may also form additional variable volume chambers between the vanes and a surrounding structure. The plurality of variable volume chambers may be interconnected to progressively act on a working fluid.