Hybrid Engine Oil Composition for Water and Fuel Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lubricating oils are not optimized for hybrid vehicles, which experience issues with water and fuel accumulation due to the start-stop system, leading to unstable emulsions and engine corrosion.

Innovation Solution

A lubricating oil composition for hybrid engines containing a boron-containing compound, overbased calcium salicylate or calcium sulfonate, zinc dithiophosphate, and non-dispersant comb polymethacrylate viscosity index improver, with specific viscosity and viscosity index ranges, designed to enhance performance and prevent corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional engine oils are used in hybrid vehicles, then general lubrication is maintained, but water and fuel accumulation leads to unstable emulsions and corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidwater and fuel accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the lubricating oil by incorporating specific additives (overbased calcium detergent, boron-containing compound, zinc dithiophosphate) in controlled amounts to change the oil's ability to handle water and fuel contamination, thereby resolving the emulsion stability issue without sacrificing lubrication performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of water and fuel accumulation into a beneficial outcome by using overbased calcium detergent and boron-containing compounds that actively neutralize acids formed from fuel combustion and water contamination, transforming the problematic contamination into manageable conditions that protect engine components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Loss of energy

If the engine stops frequently in hybrid vehicles, then fuel economy improves, but water and fuel evaporation decreases leading to accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidwater and fuel evaporation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping the lubricating oil with corrosion inhibitors and emulsion-stabilizing additives that proactively prevent damage from water and fuel accumulation before it occurs, compensating for the reduced evaporation that results from frequent engine shutdowns in hybrid vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If lubricating oil composition is optimized for conventional vehicles, then general lubrication performance is achieved, but hybrid vehicle specific issues are not addressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle type compatibilityVSAvoidhybrid engine performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by formulating a lubricating oil composition that simultaneously provides general lubrication protection and specific protection against hybrid vehicle operating conditions (water/fuel accumulation, frequent start-stop cycles), making the oil adaptable to hybrid engines while maintaining broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple additive packages (overbased calcium detergent, boron-containing compound, zinc dithiophosphate, viscosity index improver) with base oils to create a multi-functional lubricating oil that addresses both conventional and hybrid-specific requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12606764B2Lubricating oil compositions

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CHEVRON JAPAN

AI summary

A lubricating oil for hybrid engine includes a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; a boron-containing compound in an amount to provide 50 to 300 ppm of boron to lubricating oil composition; an overbased calcium salicylate or a mixture of an overbased calcium sulfonate and overbased calcium salicylate individually having a total base number of greater than 150 mg KOH/g, measured by the method of ASTM D-2896, present in an amount that provides 800 ppm to 1800 ppm of calcium to the lubricating oil composition; zinc dithiophosphate (ZnDTP) in an amount to bring from 100 to 800 ppm of phosphorus to the lubricating oil composition; and a non-dispersant comb polymethacrylate (PMA) viscosity index improver (VII). The boron-containing compound includes a borated dispersant. The KV at 100° C. of the lubricating oil composition is from 6 cSt to 8.5 cSt, the KV at 40° C. of the lubricating oil composition is from 25 cSt to 35 cSt, and the VI of the lubricating oil composition is greater than 200.