Subject: Freedom Motors/Rotapower Engine Info
From: ACRE
Date: 7/23/2004, 10:23 PM


Snipped.......
 The method
Mazda used on the three rotor is theoretically better as any small
motion is damped out by the long, large area taper. Even better is
to do away with the two rotor coupling and use the Curtiss Wright
method of supporting the center main bearing. A 3D of this method
is shown below. At this point in your production a minor change.
Snipped....

Paul,

why not use a 2-part retainer?

As it looks in the pic you posted, there should be no problem to insert
half-pieces instead of  thirds.
Just try to reduce parts count! :)

Thomas J.

The reason you need three is the center housing wear surface has to go
down almost to the e-shaft. There is just not enough room in there to wiggle
in just two center main bearing retainers. If you make a scale drawing
this becomes clear. I think it was brilliant on the part of the Curtiss Wright
engineers.

Paul Lamar

That is an incomplete answer. While it is true there is not enough
room to get a two piece retainer out of there that only applies to
the thinner and wider threaded clamp pieces on the back side of the center
housing. Three  main tapered pieces support the main bearing 
holder better because they come in (or contract) from three directions
and not just two. It is sort of like a three legged stool is more 
stable than a two legged stool. Take a look at a lathe collet to see
how it works.
  
Paul Lamar
 
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