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Better Vane Engine

functionaLayer avatarfunctionaLayer

February 28, 2026

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Description

This design is an improved version of my original vane engine. If you haven’t seen that one yet, make sure to check it out to see how this version evolved.

The first design had no proper sealing — only graphite powder for lubrication, with no O-rings or gaskets. In this version, I’ve added a custom sealing solution using 4 mm outer diameter silicone tubing as a DIY O-ring. This significantly improves performance compared to the original design.

While it’s not perfect yet, it’s a major step forward. The addition of a flywheel makes the rotation much more stable and consistent. I also included a small shaft spacer, which reduces shaft play and improves overall mechanical stability. It’s interesting how small details like these can dramatically improve a mechanism — that’s what makes mechanical engineering so elegant.

There’s still plenty of room for improvement, and I’m already planning the next iteration. I’ll continue refining the sealing, reducing friction, and improving smoothness. If you have any creative ideas or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments.

[if you've read this description till here then I'm really surprised. Thanks for reading. Keep Building!]

License:

Creative Commons — Attribution

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