Adjustable Bed Forms for Stable Standing Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave forming technologies for water parks fail to consistently create stable, rideable standing waves, as they either produce fast-moving thin sheets of water or simulate natural waves inadequately, lacking the power and stability of natural standing waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave forming apparatus comprising a channel with a weir and adjustable bed forms that guide water flow, utilizing a combination of primary and secondary flow paths and height adjusters to create a stable standing wave by controlling water levels and flow resistance, allowing for the formation of adjustable barreling or tubing waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sheet flow of water is directed over an inclined surface to create waves, then wave formation is achieved, but the surfing experience differs from real standing waves and the wave is not stable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable bed forms as intermediary structures within the water channel that mediate between the water flow and the wave formation process. These bed forms act as mediators that shape the flow to create stable standing waves while maintaining natural surfing characteristics, resolving the contradiction between wave stability and surfing experience quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable bed forms that can be modified in height and position to change the flow parameters and wave characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system can produce stable standing waves with natural surfing properties, simultaneously improving both wave stability and surfing experience
2Reliability
If natural standing waves are simulated in a controlled environment, then consistent wave formation is achieved, but the waves lack the power and velocity of natural standing waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable bed forms that can be modified during operation to optimize wave power and velocity while maintaining consistency. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to produce waves with natural standing wave characteristics in a controlled environment, resolving the contradiction between wave consistency and wave power
3Reliability
If wave forming apparatus uses complex structures to create standing waves, then wave stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wave forming apparatus into modular components, specifically adjustable bed forms that can be independently modified. This segmentation allows for simplified construction and maintenance while achieving stable standing wave formation through the coordinated action of multiple simple modular elements rather than a single complex 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 apparatus effectively produces stable, rideable standing waves with adjustable characteristics, enhancing the surfing experience by mimicking natural standing waves and allowing for variations in wave formation, such as breaking or curling waves.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump adapted to convey water from the passageway to the reservoir, and at least one foil in the channel at a distance downstream from the weir. The channel may be positioned above the passageway, and the pump, during operation, produces a liquid level in the channel and water flowing down the weir that combine to form the standing wave
Implementation Method 2
Natural standing waves have been shown to occur where water flows across natural river bed formations, known as anti-dunes. Upon flow over anti-dunes, the water flow rises into a natural standing wave
Data Source
AI summary
A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.