Straight wall integrated side wall wave absorbing device and using method thereof
By installing an integrated structure of movable panel layer and wave-damping unit on the side wall of a large test pool, a convenient switch between smooth straight wall and efficient wave-damping is achieved, solving the problem of balancing smooth wave generation and efficient wave-damping in the existing technology, and improving the test quality and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
It is difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of efficient wave damping and smooth wave generation in the sidewall of a large test pool. Existing technical solutions suffer from problems such as cumbersome operation, time and labor consumption, low degree of automation, and poor space utilization.
The device adopts a sidewall wave-damping device that integrates straight walls. In the closed position, a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary is formed by a movable panel layer, and in the open position, the wave-damping unit is exposed for efficient wave damping. The two modes can be easily switched using a drive mechanism.
It enables convenient switching between smooth straight walls and efficient wave suppression, improves wave generation quality and test accuracy, simplifies operation procedures, optimizes space utilization, and solves the functional contradictions and cumbersome operation problems of traditional solutions.
Smart Images

Figure CN121783492A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of wave-damping device technology, and in particular to a sidewall wave-damping device with integrated straight wall and its usage method, aiming to solve the technical problem that the sidewall of the test water tank cannot simultaneously achieve smooth wave generation and efficient wave damping. Background Technology
[0002] In scientific research and engineering experiments in fields such as shipbuilding and ocean engineering, and hydrodynamics, large test pools (such as wave pools and towed pools) are indispensable core facilities. To simulate the real marine environment, the wave-generating system needs to produce stable, pure regular or irregular waves in the pool. However, when waves propagate in the pool, they encounter the pool walls, generating reflected waves that superimpose with subsequent incident waves, forming complex wave surfaces that severely interfere with the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Therefore, efficient wave-damping devices are crucial for ensuring test quality. Wave-damping treatment in the pool is typically located on the "end wall" opposite the wave generator and the "side walls" on both sides. End wall wave-damping technology is relatively mature, but side wall treatment faces unique challenges: on the one hand, the side walls need to be as smooth and flat as possible to avoid additional disturbance to waves propagating along the wall during forward wave-generating tests; on the other hand, at the end of the test or when rapid calming of the water surface is required, the side walls must have strong wave-damping capabilities to absorb clutter, transverse waves, and reflected waves in the pool. This sharp contradiction between "smooth reflection" and "efficient absorption" makes sidewall treatment a core challenge in pool design.
[0003] Currently, the conventional technical solution for achieving wave-damping function on the sidewalls of large experimental water tanks is a fixedly installed sloping porous wave-damping structure or a suspended movable wave-damping device.
[0004] Fixed structure: This type of structure is typically built directly into the sidewalls during the construction of the pool. Its main body is a sloping surface made of concrete or metal, with numerous regularly arranged holes (i.e., a porous structure). The interior contains hollow cavities or is filled with wave-damping materials such as reefs or honeycomb structures. This structure extends from the pool bottom at a fixed slope to the pool bank, and its surface shape cannot be changed.
[0005] Suspended mobile solutions typically consist of an independent floating body or a rigid frame structure (with built-in wave-damping materials or louvered deflectors), along with a track and lifting system for hoisting and movement. The wave-damping body is not rigidly connected to the sidewalls, but is suspended and submerged in the water at a specific location when needed, or removed from the water surface when not in use.
[0006] Both solutions have their own drawbacks: Fixed, sloped, porous structures possess permanent wave-damping properties. When waves propagate to this structure, some wave energy is dissipated as it rises along the slope, while some seeps into the pores and enters the internal cavity, where it attenuates through friction between the water flow and the pore walls, vortex generation, and multiple internal reflections. However, during high-quality wave generation tests, this rough, porous, and non-perpendicular physical interface persists, scattering and disturbing waves propagating along the walls, disrupting the two-dimensionality of the waves, impairing wave generation quality, and ultimately significantly reducing the accuracy and reliability of the test data. Therefore, the most significant drawback is that the fixed wave-damping structure permanently destroys the function of the sidewalls as smooth reflective boundaries, failing to meet the basic requirements of high-quality wave generation tests.
[0007] When wave suppression is required for a suspended, movable system, operators use lifting equipment to submerge the wave-suppressing device in the water and position it against the side wall. After the test, it is then lifted out of the water and stored at the edge of the pool. While this method avoids permanent interference from fixed structures on the wave-generating pattern, it suffers from problems such as cumbersome and time-consuming operation, low automation, large storage space requirements, and additional interference caused by the swaying of the suspended body in the water. Summary of the Invention
[0008] In view of this, to address the technical challenge of simultaneously achieving efficient wave dissipation and smooth wave generation at the same location on the sidewall of a large experimental water tank using existing technologies, this invention provides an integrated straight-wall wave dissipation device and its usage method. During forward wave generation, the movable panel layer is tightly closed, forming an absolutely smooth, continuous straight-wall boundary, providing ideal reflection conditions for wave simulation and ensuring wave generation quality and experimental accuracy. When wave dissipation is required, the movable panel layer can be flexibly opened, allowing water flow into the rear wave dissipation unit, where wave energy is efficiently dissipated through multiple throttling and turbulence effects. This design achieves convenient and reliable switching between the "smooth straight wall" and "efficient wave dissipation" operating modes within an integrated structure, thus providing a space-efficient, functional, and easy-to-operate integrated solution for the sidewall treatment of large experimental water tanks.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sidewall wave-damping device integrated with a straight wall, comprising: The movable panel layer can move between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the movable panel layer forms a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary. When in the open position, the movable panel layer exposes the wave-damping unit behind it, allowing waves to enter the wave-damping unit for wave dissipation. A drive mechanism is used to drive the movable panel layer to move between a closed position and an open position; The movable panel layer, wave-damping unit, and drive mechanism are integrated into one unit and installed on the side wall of the test water tank to achieve switching between two functional modes: smooth straight wall and high-efficiency wave-damping.
[0010] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for using the above-mentioned integrated straight wall sidewall wave-damping device, comprising the following steps: When a wave-generating test is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer to the closed position, forming a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary. When wave dissipation is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer to the open position, allowing the waves to enter the wave dissipation unit behind it, where wave energy is dissipated through multiple throttling and turbulence effects.
[0011] This invention integrates a movable panel layer and a wave-damping unit into an innovative structure, combining the functions of "smooth straight wall" and "high-efficiency wave-damping" into one unit. By controlling the opening and closing of the movable panel layer, it achieves rapid and reliable switching between the two operating modes of the sidewall. Compared to existing technologies, it has the following advantages: 1. Ensures ideal smooth, straight wall boundaries during wave generation and efficient wave energy dissipation during wave attenuation. This guarantees superior wave generation quality. This advantage directly addresses and solves the core problem of fixed wave attenuation structures permanently compromising sidewall smoothness to achieve wave attenuation capabilities, thus failing to meet high-quality wave generation requirements. When the panels are closed, the equipment is flush with the pool wall, forming an ideal optical reflective surface, completely eliminating wave scattering and disturbance caused by traditional fixed, rough surfaces.
[0012] 2. This invention achieves convenient functional modes, enabling one-click or remote control mode switching, and is highly efficient and reliable in operation. This advantage directly addresses and solves the problems of cumbersome operation, time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, low automation, and poor stability of mobile devices. By replacing manual hoisting with mechanical drive, this invention significantly improves test preparation efficiency and reduces the uncertainty and risks caused by human intervention. It avoids the storage and relocation of additional equipment, optimizes space utilization and test efficiency, and accelerates the test process. It fundamentally solves the fundamental problem that sidewalls cannot simultaneously achieve the contradictory functions of "smooth straight wall" and "efficient wave damping."
[0013] 3. It achieves a high degree of functional integration and efficient space utilization. This advantage directly addresses and solves the problem in traditional solutions where the "wave-dissipating area" and "straight wall area" compete for limited sidewall space, leading to either limited functionality or difficult layout. It perfectly integrates the two functions in the same location, providing the optimal solution for the sidewall design of water tanks, especially compact multifunctional experimental water tanks.
[0014] In summary, this invention, through the innovative combination of a movable panel layer and an internal wave-damping unit, solves the fundamental problem of existing technologies' inability to simultaneously meet the requirements of efficient wave damming and smooth wave generation at the same location on the sidewall of a large experimental water tank. Its core lies in this: during forward wave generation, the flip-out or sliding panel can close tightly, forming an absolutely smooth, continuous straight wall boundary, providing ideal reflection conditions for wave simulation and ensuring wave generation quality and experimental accuracy; when wave damming is required, the panel can be flexibly opened, allowing water flow into a dedicated wave-damping layer equipped with staggered transverse baffles and cavities, efficiently dissipating wave energy through multiple throttling and turbulence effects. This design achieves convenient and reliable switching between the two working modes of "smooth straight wall" and "efficient wave damming" within an integrated structure, thus providing an integrated solution for the sidewall treatment of large experimental water tanks that is space-efficient, functionally superior, and easy to operate. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional isometric view of the present invention assembled in a test water tank, and a schematic diagram of the movable panel layer in the open state. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional isometric view of the present invention assembled in a test water tank, showing the movable panel layer in the closed state. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wave-damping device of the present invention when it is in operation; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a side view of the multi-layer movable panel layer in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the closed structure of the wave-damping device of the present invention; In the figure, 1 is the wave-damping device; 2 is the wave-damping unit; 3 is the movable panel layer; 4 is the hole; 5 is the protective cover; 6 is the belt; 7 is the cross partition; 8 is the driven device; 9 is the gear structure; 10 is the motor; 11 is the first support plate; and 12 is the second support plate. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0019] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a sidewall wave-damping device 1 that integrates a straight wall, comprising: The movable panel layer 3 is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position (forming a smooth straight wall), the movable panel layer 3 forms a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary, ensuring wave generation quality and test accuracy. When in the open position (exposing the wave-damping unit 2 for efficient wave damping), the movable panel layer 3 exposes the wave-damping unit 2 behind it, allowing waves to enter the wave-damping unit 2 for damping. Preferably, the movable panel layer 3 is a flip-up plate or a sliding plate, driven to open or close by the following driving mechanism.
[0020] A drive mechanism is used to drive the movable panel layer 3 between a closed position and an open position. The function of the drive mechanism is to mechanically open and close the movable panel layer 3. The drive mechanism can be a hydraulic cylinder, an electric actuator, a rack and pinion mechanism, etc., and can be selected according to actual needs; there are no special requirements.
[0021] The movable panel layer 3, the wave-damping unit 2, and the drive mechanism are integrated into one unit and installed on the side wall of the test water tank to achieve switching between two functional modes: smooth straight wall and high-efficiency wave damping.
[0022] This technical solution integrates the functions of "smooth straight wall" and "high-efficiency wave dissipation" into one, solving the core contradiction that existing technologies cannot achieve both in the same side wall location; it enables convenient switching between the two modes, providing an efficient dissipation path for wave dissipation; and it optimizes space utilization, avoiding the problem of functional areas competing for space in traditional solutions.
[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides a preferred wave-damping unit 2, which includes multiple horizontally stacked partitions 7, each partition 7 having holes 4. The wave-damping unit 2, constructed using the partitions 7 with holes 4, dissipates wave energy through friction between the water flow and the hole walls, vortices, and internal reflection, achieving efficient wave damping. Its modular structure facilitates design and maintenance.
[0024] In this invention, the diaphragms 7 are arranged in an alternating manner. When the waves flow through the movable plate layer and enter the wave-dissipating layer, they are cut by the alternating diaphragms 7, so that the waves receive a second energy dissipation when they enter the holes. On the other hand, due to the alternating arrangement of the diaphragms 7, the cut waves will flow from the upper layer to the lower layer for energy dissipation, which significantly improves the energy dissipation effect.
[0025] In this invention, the holes 4 on adjacent transverse diaphragms 7 are arranged in an alternating manner to form multi-stage throttling channels, thereby enhancing the wave energy dissipation effect. The alternating arrangement of holes 4 forms multi-stage throttling channels, which enhances the turbulence and wave energy loss of the water flow, improves the wave dissipation efficiency, and avoids the problem of incomplete wave dissipation caused by a single channel.
[0026] In this invention, the holes 4 are non-uniformly distributed on the diaphragm 7, with different holes 4 on different diaphragms 7 having different apertures, aperture densities, or aperture distribution patterns. The adjustability of the aperture parameter allows the wave-damping unit 2 to select smaller apertures for high-frequency waves to enhance turbulence dissipation, and larger apertures for low-frequency waves to avoid energy reflection. Adjustable aperture density allows for adjusting the overall open area ratio of the wave-damping structure by increasing or decreasing the number of holes 4 per unit area, thereby adapting to differences in wave energy during tests at different wave heights. The selectivity of the distribution pattern allows for differentiated hole 4 arrangements in different regions of the diaphragm 7; for example, a high-density hole 4 arrangement can be used in areas of concentrated wave energy, while a low-density arrangement can be used in edge areas, forming a gradient attenuation path for wave energy. This flexible configuration of parameter combinations enables the wave-damping device 1 to dynamically adapt to the complex wave spectrum characteristics generated by quasi-three-dimensional wave generation, full three-dimensional wave generation, and underwater shaking table tests, improving wave-damping efficiency in complex test scenarios. Specifically, when waves propagate to the diaphragm 7, the non-uniformly distributed holes 4 achieve frequency-division energy dissipation by altering the local flow field pressure distribution. High-frequency waves rapidly dissipate energy in the densely packed area of holes 4 due to turbulence, while low-frequency waves gradually attenuate in the sparsely packed area of holes 4 through multiple reflections and fluid friction. Different diaphragms 7 employ differentiated hole diameters or hole densities, resulting in the overall wave-damping device 1 forming a composite wave-damping spectral response.
[0027] Therefore, the non-uniformly distributed aperture 4 design (with different aperture diameters, densities, or distributions) can optimize the wave dissipation effect for waves of different wavelengths and wave heights, adapting to diverse experimental needs; and further enhancing the targeted nature of multiple throttling and turbulent dissipation.
[0028] In this invention, the movable panel layer 3 is a flip-type structure (e.g., driven by a drive mechanism to flip the panel), which can flip from a horizontally open state to a vertically closed state. The flip-type structure can be tightly closed to form an absolutely smooth continuous straight wall boundary, ensuring the waveform quality and data accuracy of the wave generation test; when flexibly opened, it can fully expose the wave-damping unit 2, ensuring a smooth wave entry path.
[0029] like Figure 3-4 As shown, in this invention, a preferred embodiment of a drive mechanism is provided, specifically: The drive mechanism includes a motor 10, a gear structure 9, a driven device 8, and a transmission component. The motor 10 drives the driven device 8 through the gear structure 9, which in turn drives the transmission component to move, thus achieving the position switching of the movable panel layer 3. By linking the mechanical drive mechanism with the movable panel layer 3, the mode switching is automated and reliable. It can be controlled via a control panel for one-button switching, avoiding the cumbersome and inefficient operation of suspended designs and reducing the uncertainty caused by human intervention. Figure 4 As shown, the output end of motor 10 drives the driving wheel to rotate, and the driving wheel drives the driven wheel to rotate through the toothed belt, which in turn drives the transmission component connected to the driven wheel to drive the flipping plate to move from the horizontal state to the closed state, or from the closed state to the horizontal state.
[0030] In this invention, the transmission component is a belt 6, which is connected to the driven device 8. The movable panel layer 3 is moved by winding or releasing the belt 6. The belt 6 transmission ensures the smoothness and precision of the panel movement, guaranteeing the stability of the structure during switching. The position of the control panel is controlled by winding / releasing the belt 6, making operation simple and responsive.
[0031] In this invention, the drive mechanism also has a first support plate 11, which serves as a support base for the movable panel layer 3 and the driven device 8, providing a rotatable support base for the movable panel layer 3.
[0032] like Figure 3-4 The diagram illustrates the working principle of this invention using the driving mechanism, as detailed below: The principle of efficient wave suppression: When the test pool needs sidewall wave suppression, the motor 10 is rotated (e.g., forward rotation) sequentially through the gear structure 9: driving wheel - toothed belt - driven wheel - driven device 8 - belt 6 extension - movable panel layer 3 (flipping plate), slowly placed to a horizontal state. Transverse waves will first pass through the movable panel layer 3 and then enter the wave suppression unit 2 for suppression. The wave suppression unit 2 contains multiple stacked transverse baffles 7, each with multiple holes 4, arranged alternately on adjacent baffles 7. Through these layers of wave suppression, transverse waves are effectively eliminated.
[0033] The principle of a smooth, straight wall: The motor 10 drives the gear structure 9 to rotate (in reverse) via the drive wheel, toothed belt, driven wheel, driven device 8, and belt 6, winding the belt 6 onto the driven device 8 under the protective cover 5. This causes the movable panel layer 3 to move to a vertical position. Afterward, the motor 10 stops, and the sidewall wave-damping device forms a straight wall.
[0034] In this invention, when the movable panel layer 3 is in the closed position, it forms a sealed connection with the surrounding structure (such as a watertight or near-watertight edge), ensuring the smoothness and integrity of the straight wall boundary. The sealed connection guarantees the smoothness and integrity of the straight wall boundary, completely eliminating the scattering and disturbance of waves by traditional fixed structures, and improving the accuracy and reliability of test data.
[0035] like Figure 1-3 As shown in Figures 5-6, in this invention, the movable panel layer 3 is divided into multiple layers from top to bottom. The motion mechanism of each layer is set identically, enabling synchronous or independent position switching. When multiple layers are set, the second support plate 12 can provide support for the drive mechanism and provide a base for rotational support for the movable panel layer 3. The layered design improves structural stability and allows for synchronous or independent switching according to test requirements; it adapts to functional requirements under different water levels or wave conditions, enhancing the flexibility and applicability of the equipment.
[0036] The present invention also provides a method of using the above-mentioned integrated straight wall sidewall wave-damping device 1, including the following steps: When a wave-generating test is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer 3 to the closed position, forming a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary to ensure wave-generating quality and test accuracy. When wave dissipation is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer 3 to the open position, allowing the waves to enter the wave dissipation unit 2 behind it, where the wave energy is dissipated through multiple throttling and turbulence effects.
[0037] The above-mentioned method of use provided by the present invention has a simple operation process and realizes one-click or remote control mode switching; it ensures wave generation quality and test accuracy during wave generation, and efficiently dissipates wave energy during wave elimination, significantly improving test preparation efficiency and process smoothness.
[0038] In summary, the wave-damping device 1 and its usage method provided by the present invention have the following technical advantages: Ensuring wave generation quality: The closure of the movable panel layer 3 forms an absolutely smooth continuous straight wall boundary, completely eliminating the permanent damage to the smoothness of the sidewall caused by traditional fixed wave-damping structures, and ensuring the accuracy of wave generation and the reliability of test data.
[0039] Efficient and convenient operation: Enables convenient and one-click switching of functional modes, replacing manual hoisting or complex operations, solving the problems of cumbersome operation, time-consuming and labor-intensive operation and poor stability of traditional mobile solutions, and significantly improving the efficiency of test preparation.
[0040] Optimal space utilization: The "smooth straight wall" and "efficient wave damping" functions are integrated into the same side wall space, avoiding the conflict of two functional areas competing for space in traditional solutions. It is especially suitable for multi-functional test pools with compact space, saving storage and transportation costs.
[0041] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and its improved concept, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall, characterized in that, include: The movable panel layer can move between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the movable panel layer forms a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary. When in the open position, the movable panel layer exposes the wave-damping unit behind it, allowing waves to enter the wave-damping unit for wave dissipation. A drive mechanism is used to drive the movable panel layer to move between a closed position and an open position; The movable panel layer, wave-damping unit, and drive mechanism are integrated into one unit and installed on the side wall of the test water tank to achieve switching between two functional modes: smooth straight wall and high-efficiency wave-damping.
2. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The wave-damping unit includes multiple horizontal partitions stacked one on top of the other, and the horizontal partitions have holes.
3. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The diaphragms are arranged in an alternating pattern.
4. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The holes are non-uniformly distributed on the diaphragm, and the holes on different diaphragms have different pore diameters, pore densities, or pore distribution patterns.
5. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The movable panel layer has a flip-type structure, which can be flipped from a horizontally open state to a vertically closed state.
6. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a motor, a gear structure, a driven device, and a transmission component; the motor drives the driven device through the gear structure, which in turn drives the transmission component to move, thereby realizing the position switching of the movable panel layer.
7. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission component is a belt, which is connected to the driven device. The movable panel layer is moved by the winding or unwinding of the belt.
8. The sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the movable panel layer is in the closed position, it forms a sealed connection with the surrounding structure, ensuring the smoothness and integrity of the straight wall boundary.
9. A sidewall wave-damping device integrating a straight wall according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The movable panel layer is divided into multiple layers from top to bottom, and the motion mechanism of each layer is the same, which can realize synchronous or independent position switching.
10. A method of using a straight-wall integrated sidewall wave-damping device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When a wave-generating test is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer to the closed position, forming a smooth and continuous straight wall boundary. When wave dissipation is required, the drive mechanism is operated to move the movable panel layer to the open position, allowing the waves to enter the wave dissipation unit behind it, where wave energy is dissipated through multiple throttling and turbulence effects.