Fluid Outlet Interface for Personal Watercraft Bilge Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal watercraft (PWC) face challenges in maintaining navigability due to bilge flooding when used as a remote fluid compression station, as the original bilge emptying system becomes inoperative with the installation of a fluid outlet interface, leading to increased maintenance costs and operational difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A fluid outlet interface that recreates a Venturi effect ejector without modifying the PWC's structure, using a design with a main opening and recess to collect pressurized fluid, and an additional fluid ejector to ensure continuous bilge emptying, preserving the original sucking ports and bilge emptying pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fluid outlet interface is installed to enable PWC to operate as a remote fluid compression station, then the PWC can supply pressurized fluid to third-party devices, but the original bilge emptying system becomes inoperative causing bilge flooding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to supply pressurized fluidVSAvoidbilge emptying function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluid outlet interface for pressurized fluid delivery with a bilge emptying system into a single integrated component. The interface includes both a main opening for fluid compression and a recess that connects to the bilge emptying pipe, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously through one structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid outlet interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a pressurized fluid outlet for supplying third-party devices and a bilge emptying system. The recess portion of the interface specifically connects to the bilge emptying pipe, enabling the single component to handle both fluid delivery and bilge water removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the original bilge emptying system is modified to accommodate the fluid outlet interface, then the interface can be installed, but additional structural modifications and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid compression station capabilityVSAvoidstructural modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluid outlet interface and bilge emptying system into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate structural modifications. The recess in the interface directly connects to the existing bilge emptying pipe, allowing installation without altering the PWC structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface is designed as a universal component that performs both fluid compression and bilge emptying functions. By incorporating the bilge emptying connection into the interface itself, the system avoids additional structural modifications and reduces maintenance complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the PWC is used as a remote fluid compression station, then it can propel passengers in air or fluid, but the bilge may flood reducing navigability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual operation capabilityVSAvoidnavigability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fluid outlet interface with the bilge emptying system, ensuring that when the PWC operates as a remote compression station, the integrated interface continuously removes bilge water through the recess connection, preventing flooding and maintaining navigability during dual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface serves dual purposes: enabling the PWC to function as a remote compression station while simultaneously maintaining bilge emptying capability. This multi-functional design ensures that navigability is preserved regardless of whether the PWC is used for transportation or fluid compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides a high-performing bilge emptying system that maintains optimal suction performance regardless of navigability conditions, eliminating the need for additional bilge pumps and structural modifications, and ensures effective fluid ejection even when the interface is not submerged.

Implementation Method 1

the interface includes a recess arranged in its thickness, said recess emerging in the main opening to form a port collecting part of the pressurized fluid, when the latter passes through the main opening of the interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

an additional fluid ejector to ensure continuous bilge emptying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9776697B2Fluid outlet interface for personal watercraft, associated personal watercraft and propulsion system

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 ZIPH20

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid outlet interface for a personal watercraft, so that the latter can collect and divert a very small portion of the fluid pressurized by said vehicle and thus create a sufficient Venturi effect to drive the emptying of the bilge of said vehicle. The invention also relates to a personal watercraft, or more generally any floating device delivering a pressurized fluid, comprising such an interface.