Adjustable Hydraulic Structures for Whitewater Recreation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physical structures for producing hydraulic formations in whitewater recreational environments have fixed geometries, which fail to produce desired formations at normal or low water flow rates and can form constrictions and high water surface elevations at excessively high flow rates, limiting their adaptability and recreational value.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable physical structure with a control section and a downstream adjustable lip, allowing for varying geometry and flow manipulation through a crest and ramp configuration, enabling the creation of different hydraulic formations across a range of flow rates and conditions, suitable for various whitewater courses and theme park rides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry physical structures are used to produce hydraulic formations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to varying water flow rates and produces undesirable formations at low or high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed geometry structure into an adjustable one. The physical structure includes movable components such as adjustable lips, gates, or flaps that can be repositioned to change the geometry of the hydraulic formation-producing structure. This allows the structure to adapt its shape and characteristics to match varying water flow rates, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing key geometric parameters of the physical structure (such as lip height, gate opening, or channel width) to be adjusted according to water flow conditions. By changing these parameters dynamically or semi-dynamically, the structure can optimize hydraulic formation production across different flow rates without requiring complete structural redesign, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed geometry structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but constrictions and high water surface elevations occur at excessively high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
To eliminate constrictions and high water surface elevations at high flow rates, the patent uses dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the structure to open up or reduce its constraining geometry when flow rates exceed design thresholds. This prevents harmful effects while maintaining the benefits of a structured approach to hydraulic formation production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters such as channel width, depth, or obstruction height in response to flow rate variations. When high flow rates are detected or anticipated, the structure adjusts its parameters to reduce constrictions and lower water surface elevations, thereby eliminating harmful effects while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized adjustable components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed geometry structures are used, then the design is simple, but the recreational value is limited due to inability to produce desired formations at different flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances recreational value by implementing dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow operators to optimize hydraulic formations (such as waves, holes, or rapids) for different water flow conditions. This ensures consistent entertainment quality regardless of flow rate variations, while the adjustability is achieved through practical mechanical or hydraulic mechanisms that balance functionality with design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single physical structure that can perform multiple functions across different flow rates and recreational scenarios. Through adjustable components, the same structure can produce various types of hydraulic formations (waves, holes, rapid sections) to cater to different recreational activities and skill levels, thereby maximizing recreational value without requiring multiple separate fixed structures.
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 adjustable structure effectively varies hydraulic formations to enhance recreational experiences by adapting to changing water flow rates, preventing constrictions and floodplains, and allowing for the creation of desired features like waves and holes, thus improving the versatility and safety of whitewater courses.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic jump occurs when fast moving flow in a state known as supercritical changes to a slower moving subcritical state. These hydraulic formations include 'Holes,' 'Waves,' and 'Hydraulics.'
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable physical structure for producing hydraulic formations for whitewater recreationalists includes a control structure, and an adjustable lip located downstream of the control structure. The control structure can include a crest and a ramp. The crest constricts and/or elevates (dams) the flow water to increase it's energy and focus the flow of water. Downstream of the crest, the ramp routes the flow of the water to the adjustable lip. The ramp can have varying and non-linear slopes and plan configurations. Additionally, the ramp can be static or adjustable to elevate the flow of water and vary the velocity and energy of the supercritical flow as it is passed to the adjustable lip. An adjustable invert physical structure comprises a shaped structure configured for placement on the invert of the channel. The adjustable invert physical structure can be moved or adjusted in horizontal and/or vertical directions to shape the flow of water.