Multi-Material Product Lifespan Prediction Using Q10 Values
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the lifespan of products through accelerated ageing tests are resource-intensive, time-consuming, and often provide inaccurate Q10 values, leading to over-ageing and product waste, delaying the release of innovative products to market.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that calculates the lifespan of a product by obtaining parameters, determining a Q10 value for each material, and using a set of rules to identify the most detrimental ageing mechanisms, reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing and providing accurate lifespan predictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional accelerated ageing tests are conducted to determine product lifespan, then reliable shelf-life data is obtained, but significant consumption of energy, time, and resources occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting brief initial ageing tests at multiple temperatures to determine the Q10 value before the main accelerated ageing test. This preliminary characterization of the ageing rate allows for optimized test planning, reducing the overall time required while maintaining accuracy in shelf-life prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying temperature conditions during ageing tests to accelerate the ageing process. By conducting tests at elevated temperatures and using the Q10 value to extrapolate results to lower temperatures, the method achieves reliable shelf-life data in compressed timeframes without proportionally increasing resource consumption.
2Measurement precision
If Q10 value is determined manually through extensive laboratory testing, then accurate ageing rate is obtained, but substantial amounts of energy and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by determining the Q10 value through limited initial testing at multiple temperatures rather than exhaustive characterization. This partial characterization provides sufficient accuracy for predicting ageing rates under service conditions while significantly reducing the energy and resource consumption associated with complete material characterization.
3Ease of manufacture
If Q10 value of 2 is assumed based on general guidance, then research requirements are diminished, but accuracy of material characterization is reduced leading to over-ageing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine the Q10 value through initial testing and then use this determined value to optimize subsequent accelerated ageing test parameters. This self-determined approach replaces the need for conservative default assumptions, allowing each product to be characterized by its own ageing behavior rather than generic guidelines.
4Reliability
If extended accelerated ageing tests are conducted to ensure product durability, then reliable lifespan data is obtained, but time taken for products to be released to market increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the Q10 value through brief initial testing before the main accelerated ageing study. This preliminary characterization enables more efficient planning of the accelerated test duration, allowing manufacturers to achieve reliable durability data in shorter timeframes and accelerate product release to market.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback by using the determined Q10 value to inform and optimize the accelerated ageing test parameters. This feedback loop allows for calculation of appropriate test durations and temperature conditions that provide reliable lifespan data without requiring excessively extended testing periods, thereby improving product release speed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method to define the lifespan of products. The computer-implemented method for use in calculating the lifespan of a product, wherein the product comprises a plurality of materials, the method comprising: obtaining parameters relating to the plurality of materials of the product; obtaining a Q10 value of each of the plurality of materials of the product, based on the obtained parameters; determining an overall Q10 value of the product, using a set of rules and the Q10 values of the plurality of materials; and outputting an appropriate ageing temperature and the overall Q10 value for an accelerated ageing test of the product to calculate the lifespan of the product.