Design Optimization of a Geneva Mechanism for Internal Combustion Engine Application

The Geneva mechanism has been used for timing applications such as clocks, watches and film projectors so using the great timing features it possesses would be ideal. This research explores a totally different internal combustion design in automotive industry which revolves around the Geneva mechanism. The pins and slots of the mechanism form the combustion chambers which are utilized to drive the Geneva wheels to convert linear motion into rotary motion which can power automobiles or even be used in small engine applications. Firstly, there is an extensive analysis of the feasibility of this type of engine design where parameters such as maximum torque, internal pressure and efficiency are compared to a similar displacement reciprocating internal combustion engine. Then detailed optimization is conducted where necessary changes can be made to the Geneva engine design to improve the performance to be competitive with the reciprocating engine design.