Aqueous Composition for Intake Valve Deposit Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct injection spark ignition engines face issues with intake valve deposits, leading to poor air-flow, increased emissions, and engine knock, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed, especially since there is no direct fuel washing mechanism to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

Introducing an aqueous-based composition comprising water, a freezing point suppression agent, a surfactant, and an amine compound into the engine to create a washing action on the intake valves, reducing deposits and controlling engine knock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If direct injection spark ignition engines are used to improve fuel efficiency and power, then engine performance is improved, but intake valve deposits form leading to poor air-flow and increased emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performanceVSAvoidintake valve deposits
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An aqueous-based composition is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fuel system and intake valves. This composition contains surfactants and detergents that actively clean deposits from intake valves, mediating the harmful interaction between direct injection operation and valve contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the fuel system by introducing an aqueous-based composition with specific chemical properties (surfactants, detergents, corrosion inhibitors). These parameter changes enable the composition to dissolve and remove deposits that would otherwise accumulate on intake valves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If port fuel injection is used to provide fuel washing on intake valves, then intake valve deposits are reduced, but the technology cannot be applied to direct injection engines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintake valve depositsVSAvoidapplicability to direct injection engines
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The aqueous-based composition is designed to perform multiple functions: it cleans intake valves like port fuel injection, while also being compatible with direct injection systems. The composition serves as both a cleaning agent and a fuel additive that can be introduced through the existing fuel system of direct injection engines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If water injection is used to control engine knock, then knock is reduced, but intake valve deposits are not effectively addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine knockVSAvoidintake valve deposits
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single aqueous-based composition: knock control (through water injection mechanisms) and intake valve cleaning (through surfactant and detergent chemistry). This combined approach simultaneously addresses both harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If existing aqueous-based compositions are used, then some deposit reduction is achieved, but freezing point issues and insufficient deposit removal occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintake valve depositsVSAvoidfreezing point stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite aqueous-based composition containing multiple components working together: surfactants for deposit removal, detergents for cleaning, corrosion inhibitors for protection, and freezing point depressants for temperature stability. This composite formulation achieves both effective deposit reduction and reliable freezing point control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method effectively reduces intake valve deposits by up to 50% and simultaneously controls engine knock, improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions in both direct injection and port fuel injection spark ignition engines.

Implementation Method 1

from 0 vol % to 10 vol % of surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

Introducing an aqueous-based composition comprising water, a freezing point suppression agent, a surfactant, and an amine compound into the engine to create a washing action on the intake valves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWashing action:

Implementation Method 3

from 0 vol % to 40 vol % of freezing point suppression agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreezing point suppression:

Implementation Method 4

an amine compound in a blending amount of from 0 ppmw to 1000 ppmw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectKnock control:

Data Source

PatentUS11912949B2Method for reducing intake valve deposits
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 SHELL USA INC

AI summary

Method for reducing intake valve deposits in a spark ignition internal combustion engine which is fuelled with a gasoline fuel composition, wherein the method comprises introducing into the engine an aqueous based composition, wherein the aqueous based composition comprises (i) water, (ii) from 0 vol % to 40 vol % freezing point suppression agent, (iii) from 0 vol % to 10 vol % of surfactant, and (iv) an amine compound in a blending amount of from 0 ppmw to 1000 ppmw.