Biodegradable Fuel Additive Composition for Engine Deposit Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for bio-derived and biodegradable or partially biodegradable fuel additives for gasoline and diesel to address issues such as compatibility with existing fuel supply systems, ability to blend in higher concentrations without vehicle modifications, and fuel economy, while reducing engine deposits and wear.

Innovation Solution

The use of biodegradable carrier oils and detergents derived from plant or animal sources, which undergo chemical processes like hydrogenation and functionalization to improve their properties, are incorporated into fuel compositions to reduce engine deposits and enhance fuel economy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional non-biodegradable fuel additives are used, then fuel economy and engine performance are maintained, but environmental compatibility and biodegradability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel economyVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of conventional fuel additives by incorporating biodegradable components such as ester oils, carboxylic acid derivatives, and amino acid-based compounds. These parameter changes in molecular structure enable the additives to maintain fuel economy while improving environmental compatibility and biodegradability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite fuel additive formulations that combine conventional effective additives with biodegradable carriers and enhancers. This composite approach allows the mixture to achieve both good fuel economy performance and environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bio-derived fuels are used, then environmental compatibility improves, but compatibility with existing fuel supply systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with existing fuel supply systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary substances such as ester oils and carboxylic acid derivatives that act as bridges between conventional fuel systems and bio-derived fuels. These intermediaries are chemically designed to be compatible with existing fuel supply systems while still providing environmental benefits, facilitating the transition without requiring system modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The biodegradable fuel additives are designed with universal properties that allow them to function effectively in both conventional and bio-derived fuel systems. The additives can be used across different fuel types and existing infrastructure, providing multi-functionality that maintains compatibility while improving environmental compatibility.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable carrier oils are used, then environmental compatibility improves, but lubrication and low-temperature viscometric performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental compatibilityVSAvoidlubrication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates composite carrier oil compositions that combine biodegradable base oils with performance-enhancing additives. These composite formulations maintain the environmental benefits of biodegradability while incorporating lubrication promoters and viscometric performance modifiers to achieve reliable lubrication and low-temperature flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of biodegradable carrier oils through controlled hydrogenation, esterification, and blending with performance additives. These parameter changes optimize the lubrication performance and low-temperature viscometric properties while preserving the biodegradable nature of the carrier oil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 biodegradable additives effectively reduce engine deposits, improve fuel economy, and enhance lubrication and low-temperature viscometric performance, leading to better engine protection and performance.

Implementation Method 1

biodegradable carrier oils and detergents derived from plant or animal sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

undergo chemical processes like hydrogenation and functionalization to improve their properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical degradation: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

enhance lubrication and low-temperature viscometric performance, leading to better engine protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 4

combusting in an engine a fuel composition which has a major amount of a fuel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS8778034B2Biodegradable fuel performance additives
Publication Date: 2014.07.15 AFTON CHEMICAL CORPORATION

AI summary

There is disclosed a biodegradable fuel additive composition derived from at least one animal or plant source, and a fuel composition containing a biodegradable fuel additive composition derived from at least one animal or plant source useful for reducing the formation of engine deposits and for improving fuel economy of a vehicle combusting the fuel composition.