Wakeboat Ballast Pump Drive for Rapid Fill and Drain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing watercraft ballast systems are inefficient and unsafe due to slow filling and draining times, high power consumption, and reliance on electrical conversions, which can lead to life-threatening situations during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

Implement direct mechanical power transfer from the engine to ballast pumps using direct drive mechanisms, such as belt/chain or hydraulic systems, to facilitate rapid and efficient filling, moving, and draining of ballast compartments without intermediate electrical conversions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical power conversions are used to drive ballast pumps, then the system can operate independently of engine motion, but power consumption increases and response time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence from hull motionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical power conversion systems with direct mechanical power transfer from the engine to the ballast pumps. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical conversions, reducing power consumption and improving response time while maintaining operational independence through direct mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hydraulic power transmission system as an intermediary between the engine and ballast pumps. This hydraulic intermediary allows for efficient mechanical power transfer while providing the flexibility needed for independent operation, resolving the contradiction between operational independence and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical conversions are used in ballast systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but response time during emergencies decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical conversion systems with direct mechanical power transfer, eliminating the time delay associated with electrical conversions. This substitution maintains operational flexibility through mechanical coupling while dramatically improving response time during emergency ballast operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous mechanical power transfer from the engine to the ballast pumps, eliminating the intermittent nature of electrical conversions. This continuous action ensures that ballast operations can respond immediately to emergency conditions without the delays inherent in electrical system activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If slow ballast filling and draining systems are used, then power consumption is reduced, but system reliability decreases during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidemergency response capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces inefficient electrical-driven ballast systems with direct mechanical power transfer from the engine. This substitution enables high-volume, rapid ballast operations that improve emergency response capability and system reliability while maintaining lower power consumption through direct mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a system that can rapidly fill and drain ballast compartments by skipping the slow, incremental process of electrical-driven pumping. The direct mechanical power transfer enables the system to rush through ballast operations quickly, improving emergency response while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 rapid and safe operation of ballast systems, reducing the risk of emergencies by providing high-volume, low-power consumption ballast management, independent of hull motion.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic systems, to facilitate rapid and efficient filling, moving, and draining of ballast compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic power transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS12600441B2Thruster conduit assemblies

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 HARTMAN RICHARD L

AI summary

Wakeboats that include an aquatic invasive species control apparatus are provided. These wakeboats can include: a wakeboat with a hull; at least one throughhull fitting in the hull of the wakeboat; an irradiation chamber in fluid communication with the at least one throughhull fitting, the irradiation chamber having a radiation source; and at least one water destination aboard the wakeboat. Methods for irradiating invasive aquatic species aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: receiving water from outside the wakeboat hull; and irradiating water aboard the wakeboat prior to discharging the water.