 |
Joseph DayEnglish engineer and inventor
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Joseph Day: An Unknown English Engineer and Inventor
- Early Life and Education
- The Creation of the Two-stroke Engine
- Invention of the Valveless Two-stroke Engine
- Success and Challenges
- Later Years and Legacy
Joseph Day: An Unknown English Engineer and Inventor
Joseph Day was an English engineer and inventor known for his creation of the two-stroke internal combustion engine, which utilized compressed working mixture in the crankcase. Although his invention is still widely used today, Joseph Day himself did not achieve fame and tragically passed away in obscurity.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Day was born in England and showed an early interest in engineering. He studied engineering at the Crystal Palace in London and later secured a position at the company Stothert & Pitt in Bath.
The Creation of the Two-stroke Engine
Day's two-stroke engine, based on the compression of the working mixture in the crankcase, received warm reception and was considered superior to the existing two-stroke engine by Dugald Clark. To distinguish Day's engine from Clark's, it was referred to as the "valveless two-stroke engine." In 1878, Day established his own steel foundry company, which produced compressors, cranes, and mortar mixers.
Invention of the Valveless Two-stroke Engine
In 1889, Day began working on a new engine design that could be produced without infringing on existing patents. This led to the creation of the valveless two-stroke engine. The initial model still had two valves, but Day later developed the concept of transfer ports, eliminating the need for one of the valves. Modern versions of the engine still retain the second valve, although a reed valve is now commonly used instead of a flap valve.
Success and Challenges
Day produced around 250 units of the first engine model, and after mounting them on small frames, he achieved considerable success. He even won a prize at the International Electrical Exhibition in 1892. However, the truly valveless piston-based engine model was developed by one of Day's colleagues, Frederick Cock. Only two examples of the new engine series have survived to this day, with one being held at the Deutsches Museum in Munich and the other at the Science Museum in London.
Later Years and Legacy
Day's first American patent was invalidated in 1894, and by 1906, nearly 12 American companies began producing new two-stroke engines. While Day's company in Bath produced a wide range of products, engines were not its main focus. The company faced financial instability due to the unpredictable nature of the bread industry, which was also a significant source of income. Eventually, the combined effects of unstable finances, negative press, and the reluctance of shareholders forced Day's company into bankruptcy. Day attempted to earn a living through oil sales and exploration but was unsuccessful. He disappeared from public view and remained unknown until his death in 1946.
Joseph Day's contributions to the field of engineering and his invention of the valveless two-stroke engine have had a lasting impact. Despite his lack of recognition during his lifetime, his invention continues to be widely used in lawnmowers, mopeds, and small motorcycles.
