Ashless TBN Lubricant Composition for Low-Ash Engine Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal combustion engines emit harmful pollutants, and current lubricant formulations contribute to catalyst poisoning and particulate trap blocking, while existing technologies fail to effectively address these issues.

Innovation Solution

Development of a lubricant composition comprising a base oil and a viscosity modifier and an ashless TBN molecule that is of a structure of either formula A, 1A, B, 1B, 2B, C, 1C, 2C, 3C, D, or any combination thereof.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ash-containing metal detergents are used to counteract acidic products in the lubricant, then the neutralization capability is improved, but metallic ash is produced which blocks particulate traps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutralization capabilityVSAvoidmetallic ash production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the detergent from metal-based (calcium, magnesium, sodium) to organic-based (amines with aromatic and heteroaromatic rings), thereby maintaining neutralization capability while eliminating metallic ash production that blocks particulate traps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses organic amine molecules that can be degraded and replaced more frequently rather than using durable metal detergents that accumulate as permanent ash deposits in the exhaust system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If basic amine additives are used as ashless TBN to avoid ash formation, then ash production is reduced, but seal degradation and corrosion of soft metals occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveash formationVSAvoidseal degradation and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces specific structural features (aromatic rings and heteroaromatic rings with nitrogen atoms) at localized positions within the amine molecule to provide steric hindrance and electron distribution that protect seals and soft metals while maintaining the ashless TBN property

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite molecular structure combining aliphatic chains (for TBN activity), aromatic rings (for seal protection), and heteroaromatic rings with nitrogen (for enhanced stability and corrosion resistance), achieving multiple protective functions in a single additive molecule

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If conventional lubricant formulations are used to maintain engine performance, then lubrication is provided, but catalyst poisoning occurs due to phosphorous and sulfur compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine lubricationVSAvoidcatalyst poisoning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates phosphorous and sulfur containing compounds from the lubricant formulation, using alternative organic amine-based TBN and dispersant molecules that do not contain these harmful elements, thereby protecting aftertreatment catalysts while maintaining lubrication function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4424803B1Lubricant composition containing ashless TBN molecules

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 VALVOLINE LICENSING & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

New ashless TBN molecules are synthesized, and lubricant compositions containing them, boost the total base number. The lubricant compositions further tested for ASTM D6594 copper corrosion test meets ASTM limits.