Contoured-Passage Wave Generator for Flexible Water Body Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing surfable waves in bodies of water are either unable to generate high-quality waves or are economically unviable due to high costs and large land footprints, requiring custom-built facilities and dedicated water bodies.
Innovation Solution
A wave-producing apparatus that alters water flow through an inlet, contoured passage, and outlet with adjustable active edges and surfaces, allowing for the generation of various wave forms, including hydraulic jumps and breaking waves, and can be scaled for use in different water bodies without the need for a dedicated facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional wave generation methods are used, then waves can be produced in water bodies, but the waves are not of high quality for surfing
Solution Approach 1:
The wave generation system is divided into modular components: a contoured wave-generating structure with specific geometric features (inlet, passage, outlet) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for precise control of wave characteristics while simplifying construction and enabling deployment in existing water bodies without requiring complete facility reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave-generating structure employs specifically designed contoured surfaces and curved geometries in the inlet, passage, and outlet regions. These curved surfaces manipulate water flow to produce high-quality breaking waves with desired characteristics, achieving superior wave quality through geometric design rather than complex facility construction.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional wave generation facilities are constructed, then surfable waves can be produced, but the economic cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured wave-generating structure is designed as a universal device that can be deployed in various existing water bodies (pools, lakes, ponds) without requiring custom-built dedicated facilities. The same basic structure can generate high-quality waves across different locations and water body types, significantly reducing construction costs while maintaining wave quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a replicated modular wave-generating structure that can be copied and deployed in multiple locations. Rather than constructing expensive custom facilities for each site, the same proven design can be reproduced, reducing both initial construction costs and long-term operational expenses while maintaining consistent wave quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional wave generation facilities are built, then waves can be produced, but large land footprint is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wave generation system transitions from requiring large horizontal land area to utilizing vertical water column space. By generating waves within the existing water body volume rather than requiring extensive shoreline facilities, the system achieves high-quality wave production with minimal land footprint, effectively moving the problem-solving approach from two-dimensional land use to three-dimensional water space utilization.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional wave generation facilities are constructed, then surfable waves can be produced, but dedicated purpose-built facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured wave-generating structure is designed to be adaptable to various existing water bodies including pools, lakes, and ponds. The same basic structure can be deployed in different locations with varying water body characteristics, eliminating the need for dedicated purpose-built facilities while maintaining high-quality wave generation. This universality provides flexibility in location selection and deployment timing.
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 the creation of high-quality surfable waves in a variety of water bodies, from small pools to large lakes, with reduced economic costs and without the need for custom-built facilities, allowing for flexible and efficient wave generation.
Implementation Method 1
a desirable wave is generated in a body of water by altering a flow of water as it is urged through an apparatus comprised of an inlet, contoured passage, outlet, and outer shell
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating a wave in a body of water may include altering a flow of water as it is urged through an inlet, contoured passage, and outlet. For example, a primary flow of water may be altered so that one or more secondary flows are created at angles to the direction of primary flow.