Modified Polyalkylene Glycol Lubricants for Engine Fuel Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current lubricating compositions for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving high viscosity index and low traction coefficient, which are essential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, while also dealing with solubility issues and limited applicability of prior art polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oils.

Innovation Solution

A lubricating composition comprising 2-60% by weight of a specific polyalkylated glycol or polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil with defined structural characteristics, combined with other base oils and additives, to enhance viscosity index and reduce traction coefficient, thereby improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If prior art polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oils are used to reduce friction and wear, then fuel consumption is reduced, but solubility issues and limited applicability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidapplicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of PAG oils by introducing specific alkyl groups (C1-C30 linear or branched alkyl) at controlled densities (0.01-0.10 mmol/g) and ratios (m/n = 0.1-5.0), transforming the original limited-applicability PAG into a versatile lubricating composition that maintains fuel efficiency while achieving broad compatibility across different engine and transmission applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite lubricating composition by combining modified PAG (2-60% by weight) with other base oils (40-98% by weight), synergistically integrating the low-friction properties of PAG with the solubility and compatibility advantages of complementary base oils, thereby achieving both fuel efficiency and broad applicability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If lubricating compositions are formulated to reduce friction, then fuel efficiency improves, but viscosity index and traction coefficient optimization become conflicting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidcomposition formulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for the modified PAG structure (alkyl group density of 0.01-0.10 mmol/g, m/n ratio of 0.1-5.0) and composition (2-60% by weight), creating an optimized formulation that simultaneously achieves high viscosity index, low traction coefficient, and improved fuel efficiency without requiring complex multi-component blends

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If engine compression and operating temperatures are increased to improve performance, then engine efficiency improves, but lubricant stress and degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine efficiencyVSAvoidlubricant stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the PAG molecular structure by introducing stable alkyl groups that enhance thermal and oxidative stability, allowing the lubricant to withstand high compression ratios and temperatures (including piston temperatures above 200°C) without degradation, thereby maintaining reliability under high-performance engine conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite formulation combining modified PAG with other thermally stable base oils creates a synergistic blend that resists degradation at high temperatures, with the modified PAG providing friction reduction while the complementary base oils contribute thermal stability and oxidation resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3174960B1Lubricating compositions for motor vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 TOTALENERGIES ONETECH
  • EP3174960B1 patent drawing
  • EP3174960B1 patent drawing
  • EP3174960B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of lubricating compositions and base oils for motor vehicles. The invention provides a lubricating composition for engines, gearboxes, or vehicle axle assemblies. Said lubricating composition contains an oil-soluble polymer that is a specific polyalkyl glycol or a specific polyalkylene glycol (PAG). The invention also relates to the use of said lubricating composition for reducing fuel consumption in a vehicle provided with an engine, an axle assembly, or a gearbox that are lubricated using said lubricating composition or said specific PAG.