Ok, lets see how the RoundEngine actually operates by using the diagrams and parts numbering below.
A Few Things to Note
As the location of the inlet valve can be altered, the actual effective displacement, and thus size, of the engine can be varied during operation with the appropriate engine management system.
As the external combustion chamber is external to the toroidal piston housing, the size of the combustion chamber can be altered during operations. Several benefits can accrue to changing this volume including changing of compression ratios which facilitates using the same engine as either a spark (gasoline) or compression (diesel) ignition.
Achieving compression and minimizing residual volumes requires the shape of the pistons and the timing disc to have a unique, variable design that allows for the distance between the piston face and timing disc to be minimized as the opening in the timing disc opens and closes. This design is a key element of the RoundEngine patent.
