Wobbler Engine
The oscillating cylinder engine, otherwise known as a wobbler engine, is a two stroke engine powered by steam or compressed air. Wobbler engines were used in early steamboats due to their relative simplicity and compact size.
The goal of this project was to take an existing design for a wobbler engine and manufacture a working model with a team of three.
MODEL + DRAWINGS
The process began with designing Solidworks parts with accurate dimensions and an assembly that demonstrated functionality. From this, shop drawings were made with appropriate tolerances so that parts could be manufactured.
From the shop drawings, the wobbler engine was manufactured; after being cut to size, holes were drilled using a mill and circular parts were turned on a lathe. The acrylic base plate was cut and engraved on a laser cutter.
The wobbler engine operates by rocking the cylinder back and forth such that in one orientation, the cylinder is connected to compressed air, and is connected to an exhaust port in the opposite orientation. When connected to compressed air, the piston is pushed forwards, turning the flywheel.
Getting the wobbler engine to run correctly took some amount of tinkering