Modifying Engine Oil to Reduce Transport to Combustion Chamber

ABSTRACT

Internal combustion engines consume lubricating oil during operation due to oil transport into the combustion chamber. This consumption is both detrimental to engine performance and increases exhaust emissions, and with the advancing development of cleaner burning fuels may become the primary source for pollutant emissions from vehicles. The Seeker is looking for ways to modify the composition of lubricating oils to reduce the amount of oil consumed in the combustion chamber of internal combustion engines.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

 

OVERVIEW

Internal combustion engines consume lubricating oil during their operation due to oil transport from the lubricating circuit to the combustion chamber. This phenomenon is detrimental to engine performance due to several undesirable effects including loss of lubricating oil, buildup of deposits in the engine, and increased carbon emissions in the exhaust.

The four main areas of consumption are, in order of decreasing importance, piston ring pack, blow-by oil separator, valve stems, turbocharger bearings. Reduction of oil transport through the piston ring pack into the combustion chamber and through the blow-by gas circuit into the intake duct are the main focus areas of this Challenge. Although innovative hardware solutions to reduce oil consumption may exist, they are outside the scope of this Challenge. The Seeker is looking for ways to reduce lubricating oil consumption in internal combustion engines by modifying the composition of the oil while maintaining the desirable properties of the oil.

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer to the Seeker their exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) rights to the solution. 

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 08-Nov-2021.
Late submissions will not be considered.

 

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an InnoCentive Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge?

An InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge builds upon an idea but is not yet a proof of concept. A solution to a Theoretical Challenge will solidify the Solver's concept with detailed descriptions, specifications and requirements necessary to bringing a good idea closer to becoming an actual product or service.

This Challenge is a Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge, meaning that Solvers must transfer all rights to the Intellectual Property (IP) for which they are awarded. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.