Passive siphon-based fluid removal apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for removing fluid from the bilge of a boat without electrical power or manual intervention is disclosed. The system includes a bilge accumulator positioned within the bilge to collect fluid, a siphon generator mounted on the exterior of the boat at or below the waterline, and a tube connecting the two. The siphon generator incorporates a Venturi passage that generates a vacuum as water flows across its surface during vessel motion, thereby drawing fluid from the bilge accumulator and expelling it overboard. The accumulator may include a sponge or multi-stage filter for debris removal and priming retention, and mounting components for secure installation. A check valve may be included to prevent backflow. The system operates passively and continuously while the boat is underway, maintaining a drier bilge environment without the need for electrical bilge pumps.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for removing fluids from a boat, comprising:
 a bilge accumulator positioned in a bilge of the boat to collect fluid, the bilge accumulator comprising:   a body having an inlet fluid receiver positioned at a lower portion of the body and a port positioned at an upper portion of the body;   a plurality of mounting brackets configured to secure the body to the boat; and a hold-down system configured to retain the body between the mounting brackets;   a siphon generator mounted on an exterior of the boat at or below a waterline, the siphon generator comprising a Venturi siphon configured to generate a vacuum using water flow across its surface;   a tube connecting the port of the bilge accumulator to the siphon generator;   wherein the vacuum generated by the siphon generator is configured to passively draw fluid from the bilge accumulator through the inlet fluid receiver, through the port, through the tube, and discharge the fluid outside the boat.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bilge accumulator body comprises a plurality of downwardly extending, block-like projections having vertical sidewalls and flat upper surfaces, the projections being spaced apart to form a crenellated pattern configured to reduce surface contact with the bilge floor, thereby enhancing fluid drainage and minimizing clogging. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bilge accumulator mounting brackets is either a separate component mounted to the boat or integrated during manufacture. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a check valve incorporated into the tube between the bilge accumulator and the siphon generator to prevent backflow. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a filter incorporated into the tube between the bilge accumulator and the siphon generator to catch debris. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bilge accumulator comprises a sponge or a filter configured to remove debris and assist with fluid retention for siphon priming. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the siphon generator comprises a convex outer surface and a suction hole to enhance a Venturi effect and facilitate vacuum formation. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable mounting bracket for the siphon generator to fine-tune its position relative to the water line. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the siphon generator comprises a suction hole positioned on an underside of the siphon generator and a Venturi siphon passage configured to create a vacuum as water flows across the underside, thereby drawing fluid from the bilge accumulator and expelling it through the suction hole. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the siphon generator comprises a running surface locator configured to align the siphon generator with the bottom surface of the boat, thereby ensuring optimal positioning for siphon function, and a running surface ramp configured to conform to the contour of the boat hull to reduce drag and enhance hydrodynamic integration. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bilge accumulator and siphon generator are fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials selected from the group consisting of plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, starboard, and marine-grade composites. 
     
     
         12 . A method for removing fluids from a boat, comprising:
 positioning a bilge accumulator in a bilge of the boat, the bilge accumulator comprising:   a body having an inlet fluid receiver at a lower portion and a port at an upper portion;   a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat; and a hold-down system retaining the body between the mounting brackets;   mounting a siphon generator on an exterior of the boat at or below a waterline, the siphon generator comprising a Venturi siphon;   connecting a tube between the port of the bilge accumulator and the siphon generator;   operating the boat such that water flows across the siphon generator, thereby:
 creating a vacuum via the Venturi effect; 
 passively drawing fluid from the bilge through the inlet fluid receiver; 
 directing the fluid through the port and tube; and 
 discharging the fluid outside the boat. 
   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising filtering debris from the fluid using a sponge or filter in the bilge accumulator. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising preventing fluid backflow using a check valve positioned in the tube between the bilge accumulator and siphon generator. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising adjusting the position of the siphon generator relative to the water line using an adjustable mounting bracket. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising: aligning the siphon generator with a bottom surface of the boat using a running surface locator; and conforming to a contour of the boat hull using a running surface ramp. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein mounting the siphon generator comprises positioning a suction hole on an underside of the siphon generator to create the vacuum as water flows across the underside. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the bilge accumulator body comprises spaced-apart projections forming a crenellated pattern to enhance fluid drainage and minimize clogging. 
     
     
         19 . A system for passive bilge fluid removal in a boat, comprising:
 a bilge accumulator configured to be positioned in a bilge of a boat and to collect fluid, the bilge accumulator comprising:   a body having an inlet fluid receiver at a lower portion and a port at an upper portion;   a plurality of mounting brackets and a hold-down system for securing the body to the boat;   a siphon generator configured to be mounted on an exterior of the boat at the running surface, the siphon generator comprising a Venturi siphon and a suction hole on its underside; a tube configured to connect the port of the bilge accumulator to the siphon generator; and   a check valve positioned in the tube to prevent fluid backflow;   wherein the system is configured to passively draw fluid from the bilge and discharge the fluid outside the boat in response to water flow across the siphon generator.