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Slightly OT - weird engine ideas - strictly/xfactor relief
Ugg10 - 5/9/15 at 06:40 PM

A littl elight relief from the staurday boredom that is strictly and x factor.


OK, so I love looking for different engine configuration and ideas.

These have included the prototype k series with electrically operated valves - think about having to map fuel, spark and valve opening/closing. The australian x engine (four cylinder with pistons in x configuration).

The CEM linear piston rotary engine, do a search, great idea, would love to build one using 50cc motorbike pistons.

But the questions is, has anyone built an engine using a ball valve to let air in/exhaust out linked together to replace the cams and valves? Would be an intersting way of reducing the height of the engine (they seem to be getting taller), reducing the number of moving parts, getting a hemispherical chamber and possibly machining the head and block in one part removing the head gasket (no valves at odd angles to lap in)

Just a few thoughts from a slightly deranged engineer, hopefully there are a few other out there that can add any comments.

Dick Axtell - 5/9/15 at 08:03 PM

Aahh! We've all been there.

I had an idea for oil pressure powered operation of variable cam timng - back in the 60s. This was generated during post-grad automotive engineering studies, at the precursor of our Polytechnic _yes - it was that long ago!).

Last month, I visited the Porsche museum in Stuttgart, and saw their idea for - oil pressure powered variable camshaft operation! Difference is - they did it!

So dream on -but if you really think it'll work, DO IT!

[Edited on 5/9/15 by Dick Axtell]

[Edited on 5/9/15 by Dick Axtell]

[Edited on 5/9/15 by Dick Axtell]

Sam_68 - 5/9/15 at 08:19 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
But the questions is, has anyone built an engine using a ball valve to let air in/exhaust out linked together to replace the cams and valves?


Like THIS you mean?

Ugg10 - 5/9/15 at 08:21 PM

I've been lucky enought to have been through the patent route at work, and I guess I habve just disclosed an invention so it is nul and void now.

Just thought if you replaced the valves/cam with a rotating valve (basically a rod with holes in it) to let the air in/out it may be an easier solution. I think sealing woukd be te main design issue. I guess the alternative is a set of butterflies that flap back and forth, make an aweful racke but may work. Both would reduce the restriction in the flow and ma help efficiency or power.

Ugg10 - 5/9/15 at 08:23 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Sam_68
quote:
Originally posted by Ugg10
But the questions is, has anyone built an engine using a ball valve to let air in/exhaust out linked together to replace the cams and valves?


Like THIS you mean?


Knew it must have been tried before, I had it on the sides of the block but that is the idea. Cheers.

Anyone got comments on the CEM engine?

[Edited on 5/9/15 by Ugg10]

balidey - 5/9/15 at 10:01 PM

We were talking about odd engine configurations at work and I was the only one who knew about the Commer TS3 engine.
Worth having a google on that one.
Basically its 3 cylinders, 6 pistons, 2 pairs opposing each other so no cylinder head.
Its 2 stroke, diesel.

link:

http://www.oldengine.org/members/diesel/rootes-listerts3/ts3.htm


[Edited on 5/9/15 by balidey]

Ugg10 - 5/9/15 at 10:32 PM

The dynacam swash plate engine is also interesting.

adithorp - 5/9/15 at 10:44 PM

How about one of these...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmnsXTMLzCE&feature=youtu.be

daviep - 5/9/15 at 10:47 PM

What about the Napier Deltic, takes opposing pistons to a whole new level!

Cheers
Davie

coyoteboy - 5/9/15 at 10:55 PM

Most things have been tried and ruled out, the thing is when new materials solve one of the problems (like for example sealing) then some of them will become more usable all of a sudden. The likes of electromagnetic valves are awesome because they negate the need for a throttle, which immediately increases efficiency and power possibility.