Rubber Composition Temperature History via Carbonization Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for estimating the temperature history of rubber compositions, such as FT-IR and rubber hardness changes, are difficult to quantify and prone to large errors, making accurate estimation challenging.

Innovation Solution

A temperature history estimation device and method that utilize a thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) to measure the carbonization rate of polymers in rubber compositions, associating this rate with pre-stored data to estimate the temperature history.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If FT-IR or rubber hardness changes are used to estimate temperature history, then structural changes can be measured, but quantification is difficult and errors are large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature history estimation accuracyVSAvoidquantification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces FT-IR spectroscopy and hardness testing with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA measures weight loss as a function of temperature, providing a quantitative measurement of polymer decomposition. This substitution transforms the measurement approach from qualitative/semi-quantitative methods to a fully quantitative method with precise numerical output, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and quantification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from structural properties (FT-IR spectral changes, hardness) to thermal stability properties (weight loss during heating). By measuring the temperature at which specific weight loss occurs or the area under the decomposition curve, the patent achieves both quantitative data and accurate temperature history estimation. This parameter change enables precise numerical measurement while maintaining direct relevance to thermal exposure history.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional methods are used, then temperature history can be estimated, but the estimation is inaccurate due to large errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature history estimation reliabilityVSAvoidestimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes unreliable conventional methods (FT-IR, hardness testing) with TGA, which provides reliable quantitative data. TGA measurements of polymer decomposition are highly reproducible and provide clear numerical values that can be directly correlated with temperature history, significantly improving both reliability and precision of the estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a calibration curve by exposing rubber composition samples to known temperature histories and measuring their decomposition characteristics via TGA. This creates a reference dataset that copies the relationship between temperature exposure and decomposition behavior. By comparing unknown samples to this calibrated reference, the patent achieves reliable and precise temperature history estimation through quantitative comparison rather than qualitative assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables accurate and simple estimation of the temperature history of rubber compositions by quantifying the carbonization rate, reducing errors compared to FT-IR and rubber hardness changes.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement value reception unit that receives a measurement value of a carbonization rate of a polymer contained in the measurement object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermogravimetry:

Implementation Method 2

a measurement value reception unit that receives a measurement value of a carbonization rate of a polymer contained in the measurement object, measured by using a thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential thermal analysis:

Implementation Method 3

data showing a relationship between a carbonization rate of a polymer contained in a sample of the rubber composition, and a temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4624912A1Temperature history estimation device, temperature history estimation method, and temperature history estimation program

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 NOK CORP

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AI summary

A temperature history of a rubber composition is estimated by a simple method. A temperature history estimation device (1) estimates a temperature history of a measurement object that is a rubber composition. The temperature history estimation device (1) includes a measurement value reception unit (101) that receives a measurement value of a carbonization rate of a polymer contained in the measurement object, a storage unit (20) that stores data (202) showing a relationship between a carbonization rate of a polymer contained in a sample of the rubber composition, and a temperature, and a temperature history estimation unit (102) that estimates the temperature history of the measurement object based on the measurement value of the carbonization rate and the data (202).