A typical two-rotor rotary engine has three main moving parts: two rotors and an output shaft.
While conventional reciprocating engines can have 40 or more moving parts, the rotary engine's simplified design leads to its lower moving part count. This relative simplicity contributed to the rotary engine's initial appeal and its potential for greater reliability, at least in theory. The drastically reduced parts count was intended to minimize potential failure points compared to traditional piston engines.
Here's a breakdown of the major moving parts:
- Rotors: These triangular-shaped components spin within the engine housing, driving the combustion process.
- Output Shaft (Eccentric Shaft): The rotors' movement translates to the rotation of the output shaft, which then delivers power to the vehicle's drivetrain.
The reduced number of moving parts was a key selling point for rotary engines, highlighting their potential for smooth operation and simplified maintenance.
