Tertiary Amine Friction Modifier for Automatic Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic transmission fluids face challenges in achieving high static coefficients of friction while maintaining durable positive slope characteristics during oxidative and mechanical stressing, which is difficult with traditional friction modifier technologies.
Innovation Solution
A lubricant composition comprising a major amount of lubricating viscosity oil, 0.01 to 10 percent by weight of a tertiary amine with at least two alkyl groups of 6 carbon atoms, and 0.3 to 10 percent by weight of a dispersant, which serves as a friction modifier and maintains friction properties in automatic transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction modifier technology is used, then the transmission fluid can provide basic lubrication, but the static coefficient of friction is low and positive slope characteristics are not durable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the friction modifier by specifying a tertiary amine structure with at least two alkyl groups containing 6 or more carbon atoms. This structural parameter change enables the friction modifier to achieve both high static coefficient of friction and durable positive slope characteristics during oxidative and mechanical aging, resolving the contradiction between initial friction performance and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach by combining the tertiary amine friction modifier with specific dispersants (0.3 to 10 percent by weight) in the transmission fluid formulation. This composite material strategy enhances both the static friction properties and the durability of positive slope characteristics, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-component friction modifiers.
2Force
If friction modifiers are added to increase static coefficient of friction, then clutch holding capacity improves, but positive slope characteristics deteriorate during aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise structural parameters for the tertiary amine friction modifier, requiring at least two alkyl groups with 6 or more carbon atoms. This parameter control ensures that the friction modifier maintains both high static coefficient of friction for clutch holding and durable positive slope characteristics during oxidative and mechanical aging, resolving the trade-off between initial performance and aged performance.
3Reliability
If complex friction modifier compositions are used, then friction performance can be optimized, but the formulation becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the formulation complexity by focusing on a specific tertiary amine structure with defined parameters (at least two alkyl groups of 6+ carbon atoms) rather than using complex multi-component friction modifier systems. This parameter-based approach achieves optimal friction performance while maintaining formulation simplicity and reducing development costs.
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 effectively provides high static coefficients of friction and durable positive slope characteristics, reducing shudder in automatic transmissions and improving clutch holding capacity during aging.
Implementation Method 1
a friction modifier which comprises a tertiary amine having at least two alkyl groups of at least 6 carbon atoms... effectively provides high static coefficients of friction
Implementation Method 2
maintain a durable positive slope during oxidative and mechanical stressing of the friction system... durable positive slope characteristics during oxidative and mechanical stressing
Data Source
AI summary
A composition of a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity; a secondary or tertiary amine being represented by the formula R1R2NR3 wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl groups of at least 6 carbon atoms and R3 is hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, a hydroxyl-containing alkyl group, or an amine-containing alkyl group; and a dispersant, provides high static coefficients of friction and a durable positive slope during oxidative and mechanical stressing, particularly as a friction component of an automatic transmission.