Floating Variable Leverage Pump for Wave-Powered Desalination

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pumps for desalination require active power sources, leading to high operating costs and environmental impacts, and are limited in applications where power is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A floating variable leverage pump that uses inertial forces from waves, tides, and currents to pressurize water without an active power source, incorporating a reverse osmosis membrane for desalination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If conventional pump systems are used to pressurize water for desalination, then water can be pressurized to threshold pressure levels, but power sources are required which increase environmental impact and operating costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pressureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system uses the natural motion of waves, tides, and currents to drive the pumping action without requiring external power sources. The floating vessels harness kinetic energy from water movement to automatically pressurize water for desalination, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for motors or engines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional motor-driven mechanical pumping system with a passive mechanical system that uses leveraged floating vessels. The mechanical advantage provided by the leveraged pump structure allows natural water movements to generate sufficient pressure for desalination without active mechanical power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stress or pressure

If conventional pump systems are used for desalination, then water can be pressurized effectively, but the requirement for power sources limits applications in power-limited environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pressureVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system uses the natural motion of waves, tides, and currents to drive the pumping action without requiring external power sources. The floating vessels harness kinetic energy from water movement to automatically pressurize water for desalination, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for motors or engines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stress or pressure

If conventional pump systems are used to pressurize water, then desalination can be achieved, but operating costs increase due to power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pressureVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system uses the natural motion of waves, tides, and currents to drive the pumping action without requiring external power sources. The floating vessels harness kinetic energy from water movement to automatically pressurize water for desalination, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for motors or engines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the kinetic energy of moving water (waves, tides, currents) which would otherwise be wasted or harmful into useful mechanical work for pumping. The leveraged pump structure captures this natural energy and transforms it into the pressure needed for desalination, turning environmental motion into a beneficial power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 desalination of water to threshold pressures without power, reducing costs and environmental impact, and allowing operation in power-limited environments.

Implementation Method 1

uses inertial forces from waves, tides, and currents to pressurize water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave power: Wave Power

Implementation Method 2

The floating variable leverage pump may also include a first floating vessel, a second floating vessel, where the first floating vessel is pivotally coupled to the second floating vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 3

for water to diffuse through a reverse osmosis membrane, the water may be required to be pressurized to a threshold pressure level

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS12540606B2Floating variable leverage pump

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 BLUEDESAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for operation and assembly of a floating variable leverage pump are provided. The floating variable leverage pump includes a first floating vessel pivotally coupled to a second floating vessel along an axis. Both the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel are configured to oscillate about the axis. The floating variable leverage pump includes a pump including a first end pivotally coupled to a first fulcrum of the first floating vessel, and a second end pivotally coupled to a second fulcrum of the second floating vessel. The pump is positioned (i) perpendicular to the axis and (ii) in an area between the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel. Displacement of at least one of the first floating vessel or the second floating vessel causes actuation of the pump.