Modular Valvular Conduit Array for Passive Wave-Driven Upwelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack an efficient and cost-effective method to induce upwelling in fluid bodies, which is essential for altering surface temperatures, reducing storm intensity, mitigating coral bleaching, and enhancing aquatic life populations.

Innovation Solution

The modular valvular conduit upwelling system (MVCUD) utilizes an array of valvular conduit modules that are passively activated by wave motion, inducing upward fluid flow without moving parts, and can be easily assembled and deployed in various configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional active pumping systems are used to induce upwelling, then fluid flow can be controlled and directed, but the systems become complex with moving parts, requiring maintenance and suffering from mechanical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all active pumping components (motors, valves, control systems) from the upwelling system, retaining only the passive floating structure and conduit array. This extraction of active elements eliminates mechanical failure points while maintaining the core upwelling function through wave-driven natural convection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes natural wave energy and buoyancy forces to drive fluid circulation without external power sources or control mechanisms. The floating structure passively converts wave motion into vertical fluid flow, making the system self-powered and self-regulating based on environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If passive floating structures are used to reduce complexity, then reliability improves, but control over fluid flow direction and rate is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidflow control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit array is divided into multiple independently oriented conduits that can be selectively deployed or configured. Each conduit acts as an independent flow channel, allowing the system to achieve complex three-dimensional flow patterns through the coordinated action of simple, identical modular elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conduits are oriented at specific asymmetric angles relative to the floating structure to exploit wave-induced pressure differentials. This asymmetric positioning creates preferential flow paths that direct water movement in desired directions without requiring active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional active systems are deployed, then response time can be controlled, but deployment and installation become time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment cost and timeVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly and deployment mechanisms with simple buoyant floating structures that self-assemble and self-deploy. The system can be rapidly installed by simply releasing the floating structure into the water, where it automatically assumes its operational configuration without requiring cranes, heavy equipment, or specialized installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 MVCUD effectively induces upwelling, altering surface temperatures, reducing storm intensity, mitigating coral bleaching, and enhancing aquatic life populations by efficiently utilizing wave energy to drive fluid flow without the need for moving parts, thus improving durability, economy, and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

passively impart upward flow of the fluid in response to wave-induced vertical displacement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave energy conversion: Wave Power

Implementation Method 2

valvular conduit modules that induce upwelling in a fluid body in response to wave motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectValve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 3

The array of valvular conduit modules may be supported, for example, in a substantially vertical orientation by a float module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12345227B1Modular valvular conduit upwelling system

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 COLLINS JR STANTON J M

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to upwelling systems having an array of valvular conduit modules that induce upwelling in a fluid body in response to wave motion. In an illustrative example, each valvular conduit module may be formed as a unitary rigid body extending along a longitudinal axis. The array of valvular conduit modules may be supported, for example, in a substantially vertical orientation by a float module when the system is immersed in the fluid body. The array of valvular conduit modules may be, in some examples, releasably coupled together in a lateral array, a longitudinal array, or some combination thereof. Various embodiments may advantageously passively impart upward flow of the fluid in response to wave-induced vertical displacement.