A Rotary Vane Engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses rotary motion instead of reciprocating motion to convert fuel into energy. It features a rotor with vanes that rotate within a housing, creating compression and expansion within the combustion chamber.
The Rotary Vane Engine works by using the rotation of a rotor with vanes to compress air and fuel within the combustion chamber. The fuel is then ignited, creating an explosion that pushes the vanes and rotates the rotor. This rotary motion is then transferred to the output shaft, generating power.
One of the main advantages of a Rotary Vane Engine is its compact size and simplicity compared to traditional internal combustion engines. It also has a high power-to-weight ratio and can operate with a variety of fuels. Additionally, it has fewer moving parts, making it more reliable and requiring less maintenance.
The US Patent No. 5,711,268 is a patent for a specific design of the Rotary Vane Engine that was granted in 1998 to the inventor, John R. Lacroix. This design features a unique arrangement of the vanes and rotor to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
The Rotary Vane Engine has been used in a variety of applications, including small engines for lawnmowers, chainsaws, and motorcycles. It has also been used in larger engines for cars, boats, and even aircraft. However, due to advancements in technology, it is not as commonly used as other types of internal combustion engines.