The origins of the orbital engine trace back to the inventive efforts of Ralph Sarich, an Australian engineer and inventor.
Sarich caught the public eye in the 1970s with his concept for a more fuel-efficient engine design. What set it apart was its unique rotary combustion process, which promised lower emissions and improved fuel economy compared to traditional piston engines.
Propelled by this innovation, Sarich founded the Orbital Engine Company with a vision to revolutionize the automotive industry.
Our pursuit to understand the fate of the orbital engine reveals a tale of technological ambition and enterprise. While the concept was praised by the Australian Financial Review and the industry alike for its ingenuity, real-world applications proved more elusive.
The engine’s potential to shake up markets attracted attention from leading auto manufacturers, yet challenges translating prototype performances into a mass-produced reality led to a gradual waning of interest.
Despite the business and engineering acumen behind it, the orbital engine did not become the new standard in vehicle design as initially hoped.
As we examine the Orbital Engine Company’s journey, it’s crucial to consider the hurdles faced in the evolution of such inventions.
From dealing with technical complexities to navigating the automotive industry’s competitive landscape, Sarich’s invention serves as a study in the trials and tribulations faced by pioneers attempting to carve out new paths.
The story of the orbital engine is not just about its initial promise, but also the resilience needed when confronting the challenging road from concept to commercial success.
JUMP TO TOPIC
Evolution of Orbital Engines
The evolution of orbital engines is marked by ambitious innovations and technological strides aiming to revolutionize internal combustion engines.
From their conception by an Australian inventor to significant advancements in two-stroke engine technology, these engines were poised to offer efficiency and performance improvements over traditional engines.
Early Developments by Ralph Sarich
Ralph Sarich, an engineer from Perth, Australia, invented the orbital engine in 1972.
Our initial endeavor into this technology aimed to create an engine with fewer moving parts and potential benefits over the conventional reciprocating engine.
These engines were distinguished by their orbital motion, which contrasted with the rotational motion found in traditional engines like the Wankel rotary.
Sarich’s orbital engines were noteworthy for their prismatic shaped pistons, which promised reduced vibration and improved mechanical efficiency.
Advancements in Engine Technology
In the pursuit of technological enhancements, the
was formed to bring Sarich’s designs to the market.
We aimed to advance the capabilities of two-stroke engines, which were known for simplicity and high power-to-weight ratios.
Orbital engines evolved to incorporate a direct fuel injection system into the two-stroke cycle.
This enhancement was intended to address some of the inherent drawbacks of two-stroke engines, such as higher emissions and fuel consumption.
With intellectual property secured under various patents, this unique combustion process was on the brink of redefining engine technology.
Rise of the Orbital Combustion Process
The culmination of our efforts in engine evolution led to the development of the Orbital Combustion Process (OCP).
This direct fuel injection technique was tailored to improve two-stroke engines further, making them more efficient and reducing their environmental impact.
| Characteristic | Improvement |
| Emissions | Significant Reduction |
| Fuel Efficiency | Noticeable Increase |
While the innovations by the Orbital Engine Corporation aimed to bring a new era for two-stroke engines, a variety of factors affected the widespread adoption of these engines.
Nonetheless, the OCP technology showcased our commitment to pioneering efficient engine solutions.
Orbital Engine Corporation’s Partnership with Automotive Giants
Orbital Engine Corporation leveraged innovative technology to secure pivotal partnerships with leading automotive manufacturers.
These collaborations focused on enhancing engine performance and efficiency, propelling Orbital into a significant industry role.
Collaborations with Ford and General Motors
Ford: Our partnership with Ford was chiefly spearheaded through the development of prototype engines for the Ford Festiva.
Designed to be low in emissions and consumption while providing excellent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) metrics, these prototypes demonstrated our engineering prowess.
General Motors: In our collaboration with General Motors, we sought to incorporate our two-stroke engine technology into their existing line-up, aiming to boost performance and fuel efficiency.
Our joint efforts underscored the adaptability of our engines in a market dominated by traditional four-stroke engines.
License Agreements and Royalties
We negotiated license agreements that allowed automotive giants to utilize our orbital engine technology.
This strategic move not only validated the unique advantages of our engines but also created a new revenue stream through royalties.
| Potential Market |
 We are a team of automotive enthusiasts, driving enthusiasts and technicians. We love what we do, and it shows in everything we do and more. We share our knowledge, here on Ran When Parked. Latest posts by Ran When Parked (see all)
|