Engine Oil Auto-Ignition Temperature Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preventing pre-ignition in internal combustion engines, particularly at low speeds, are complex and costly, and existing solutions do not effectively address the risk of engine oil-induced pre-ignition during engine aging.

Innovation Solution

A method involving aging engine oil for predetermined times, evaluating its auto-ignition temperature at high pressure using differential scanning calorimetry, and comparing it to a predetermined temperature to assess its propensity for pre-ignition, while also estimating the safe driving distance before pre-ignition occurs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods (spark plug adjustment, air/fuel mixture optimization, combustion chamber cleaning) are used to prevent pre-ignition, then pre-ignition risk is reduced, but device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-ignition preventionVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical and system-level solutions (spark plug adjustments, air/fuel mixture control systems, combustion chamber cleaning mechanisms) with a simple chemical parameter measurement approach. By measuring the auto-ignition temperature of engine oil and comparing it to a predetermined threshold, the system identifies pre-ignition risk without requiring complex mechanical modifications or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from modifying engine operating parameters (spark timing, air/fuel ratio) to measuring a specific property of the engine oil (auto-ignition temperature). This parameter-based diagnostic method simplifies the prevention strategy by focusing on a single measurable property of the lubricant that directly indicates pre-ignition susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If exhaust gas recirculation is implemented to prevent pre-ignition, then combustion control is improved, but material supply to combustion chamber increases and cost rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepre-ignition preventionVSAvoidmaterial supply to combustion chamber
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pre-ignition prevention function from the exhaust gas recirculation system and transfers it to the engine oil formulation and monitoring. Instead of modifying the combustion environment through exhaust gas recirculation, the solution is embedded in the engine oil's chemical composition and its auto-ignition characteristics, eliminating the need for additional material supply to the combustion chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If engine oil is used without aging consideration, then operational simplicity is maintained, but pre-ignition risk increases during engine aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidpre-ignition resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined auto-ignition temperature thresholds for engine oil before it is used. The method allows users to measure the auto-ignition temperature of the engine oil and compare it against predetermined values that account for aging effects. This preliminary characterization enables long-term reliability without requiring continuous monitoring or complex aging management systems during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method provides a simple, reliable, and effective way to classify engine oils based on their pre-ignition risk, enabling the development of oils that reduce the likelihood of low-speed pre-ignition and extending safe driving distances.

Implementation Method 1

dispositif de calorimétrie différentielle à haute pression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential scanning calorimetry: Calorimetry

Implementation Method 2

évaluer une température d'auto-inflammation dudit huile moteur à haute pression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3583411B1Method for determining the propensity of an engine oil to lead to pre-ignition of a vehicle engine
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3583411B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583411B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining the propensity of an engine oil to generate pre-ignition of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, said engine oil being designed to be introduced into said internal combustion engine of the vehicle, said method comprising: – a step (P1) of ageing said engine oil for a predetermined ageing period, – after said predetermined ageing period, a step (E11) of evaluating an auto-ignition temperature of the engine oil at high pressure, – a step (E12) of comparing said auto-ignition temperature of the engine oil to a predetermined temperature, and if the auto-ignition temperature of the engine oil is below the predetermined temperature this oil is said to have a propensity to generate pre-ignition.