Valve Assembly for Dual Bilge Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bilge pump systems for watercraft often require additional pumps to handle deep wells or rapid water accumulation, but these are costly and time-consuming to install due to the need for additional hull openings.
Innovation Solution
A bilge pump system with a valve assembly that connects two bilge pumps to a common hull outlet, using one-way valves to prevent backflow and allow efficient operation of both pumps without requiring additional hull openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additional bilge pumps are installed to handle deep wells or rapid water accumulation, then water removal efficiency is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to the need for additional hull openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bilge pump outlets into a single common outlet structure that connects to one hull opening. The valve assembly integrates check valves for each pump inlet and a common outlet passage, allowing multiple pumps to discharge through a single hull penetration point, thereby maintaining high water removal efficiency while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common outlet structure serves multiple functions: it receives discharge from multiple different bilge pumps, provides check valve protection for each pump, and connects to a single hull opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hull openings for each pump while maintaining independent operation of each pump
2Productivity
If additional bilge pumps are installed to handle deep wells or rapid water accumulation, then water removal efficiency is improved, but installation time increases due to the need for additional hull openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bilge pump outlets into a single common outlet structure that connects to one hull opening. The valve assembly integrates check valves for each pump inlet and a common outlet passage, allowing multiple pumps to discharge through a single hull penetration point, thereby maintaining high water removal efficiency while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The common outlet structure is designed as a pre-assembled unit with integrated check valves and connection points for multiple pumps. This preliminary preparation of the outlet assembly allows for rapid installation once the single hull opening is created, significantly reducing total installation time compared to installing separate outlet structures for each pump
3Ease of manufacture
If a single bilge pump is used, then installation is simpler, but the pump cannot adequately remove water from deep wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water removal function across multiple independent bilge pumps, each capable of handling specific portions of the bilge including deep wells. Each pump operates independently with its own check valve protection, allowing the system to reliably remove water from deep wells while maintaining installation simplicity through the common outlet structure
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 system provides a reliable, cost-effective solution by allowing simultaneous operation of multiple bilge pumps without the need for extra hull openings, enhancing water removal efficiency and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way valve operating at the first inlet port and configured to allow bilge water to flow in through the first inlet port and out through the outlet port and to prevent bilge water from flowing in through the second inlet port and out through the first inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for a bilge pump system having first and second bilge pumps each connected to a single hull outlet includes a valve body having a first inlet port for connection to the first bilge pump, a second inlet port for connection to the second bilge pump, and an outlet port for connection to the hull outlet. A first one-way valve operates at the first inlet port for allowing flow into the first inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the first inlet port from the second inlet port and/or the outlet port. A second one-way valve operates at the second inlet port for allowing flow into the second inlet port to the outlet port and preventing flow out of the second inlet port from the first inlet port and/or the outlet port. The valve assembly enables the second bilge pump to be connected to the single hull outlet and eliminates the need to cut an additional outlet opening in the hull.