Olefin Copolymer Viscosity Modifier for Rubber Lubricant Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber compositions do not effectively manage viscosity changes at varying temperatures, leading to inefficiencies in lubricating oils used in engines.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rubber composition comprising 100 parts of rubber, 0.5 to 10 phr of olefin copolymer viscosity modifier, 5 to 200 phr of reinforcing filler, and a cure package, which helps in maintaining optimal viscosity by combining olefin copolymers with rubber and fillers to enhance temperature stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If viscosity modifiers are added to lubricating oils, then temperature stability is improved, but the complexity of the composition increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining olefin copolymer viscosity modifiers with rubber and reinforcing fillers to create a multi-component system. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple functional materials that work synergistically to enhance temperature stability while managing the inherent complexity through a structured formulation containing specific components in defined proportions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If olefin copolymer viscosity modifier is combined with rubber and fillers, then viscosity control at varying temperatures is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviscosity controlVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the proportions of each component in the composition, specifically using 0.5 to 10 phr of olefin copolymer viscosity modifier, 5 to 200 phr of reinforcing filler, and specific ratios of rubber types. These parameter specifications resolve the contradiction by establishing defined ranges that optimize viscosity control across temperature variations while providing clear manufacturing guidelines to manage process complexity.

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 solution results in improved temperature stability, reducing viscosity thinning at higher temperatures and thickening at lower temperatures, thereby enhancing the performance of lubricating oils in engines.

Implementation Method 1

a viscosity modifier impacts the viscosity of the lubricating oil such as by decreasing the magnitude of the thinning that normally occurs at higher temperatures, decreasing the magnitude of the thickening that normally occurs at lower temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscosity modification:

Data Source

PatentUS10865291B2Rubber compositions containing viscosity modifier and related methods
Publication Date: 2020.12.15 BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are rubber compositions containing a viscosity modifier and related methods such as for preparing a rubber composition containing a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier is an olefin copolymer and may be utilized in a neat or in an oil-extended form. Use of the olefin copolymer viscosity modifier can improve both high and low temperature E′ of the rubber composition.