Static Bilge Pump Using Bernoulli Eductor for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bilge drainage systems for boats face issues with maintenance, drag, and efficiency, particularly with automatic drains that are not completely closed at rest and require external components, which can be damaged by harsh conditions and saltwater.
Innovation Solution
A static bilge pump with no moving parts, utilizing an inlet tube, body, and eductor system that creates suction through Bernoulli's Principle to remove water from the bilge without external power or force, attached to the boat hull to minimize drag and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automatic drain is used to remove bilge water, then water drainage is improved, but the drain does not remain completely closed when the boat is at rest due to wind, current and other forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical automatic drain system with a static bilge pump system that uses Bernoulli's principle and pressure differentials created by boat motion to pump water over the transom, eliminating mechanical moving parts that fail to seal properly
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure differentials created by boat movement through the water to drive the bilge pumping function, converting kinetic energy from boat motion into pumping action without mechanical components
2Productivity
If powered pumps are installed on the exterior of the hull to pump bilge water, then water removal efficiency is improved, but drag increases due to bulky external components
Solution Approach 1:
The bilge pump system is nested within the boat's existing transom structure, with the pump housing integrated into the transom opening, eliminating the need for bulky external protruding components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention pumps water over the transom (vertical dimension) rather than horizontally away from the hull, utilizing the transom's natural position to discharge water clear of the hull form, minimizing drag
3Productivity
If traditional bilge pumps with seals and pliable components are used, then pumping function is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to wear from salt water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical seals, rings, and pliable pumping components by using a static pump design that relies on Bernoulli's principle and pressure differentials, creating a system with no moving parts that cannot wear out
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the boat's own motion through the water as the power source, requiring no external power supply or mechanical drive components that would require maintenance
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 static bilge pump effectively drains water from the boat bilge with minimal maintenance and reduced drag, maintaining efficiency even in harsh conditions, capable of pumping 15 gallons per minute at 20 miles per hour.
Implementation Method 1
A static bilge pump with no moving parts, utilizing an inlet tube, body, and eductor system that creates suction through Bernoulli's Principle to remove water from the bilge without external power or force
Data Source
AI summary
A static bilge pump has a body surrounded by a shell, forming a motive plenum therebetween. Inlets in the front of the shell allow a motive fluid to enter the motive plenum. The motive plenum tapers, decreasing in cross-sectional area along with width as it moves toward its aft, and ends at a motive nozzle. The body houses a suction chamber in fluid communication with a suction inlet that is in fluid communication with the bilge of a boat. Ejectors are positioned proximal to and between the motive nozzle and the discharge outlet. When the static bilge pump is exposed to fluid flow from its front to its stern, such as when a boat is in motion, water enters the motive inlets, filling the motive Plenum and acting as a motive fluid. The motive fluid is ejected at high pressure from the motive nozzle, creating suction at the ejectors and discharging the motive fluid as well as liquid with in the suction chamber out the discharge outlet.