Curved Foil Wave Generator for Longer Surfable Wave Rides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are suitable for surfing, as they are inefficient in transferring energy and cannot generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration of the most desirable waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator and pool system using vertically movable foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry to create surface gravity waves, with a pool design that includes a sloping bottom and adjustable contours to replicate the conditions for rideable waves, utilizing foils that move faster than the generated waves to achieve efficient energy transfer and wave formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a controlled environment, but energy transfer efficiency is low and wave characteristics (size, form, speed, duration) do not match desirable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wave generation systems (linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulic or pneumatic caissons) with a foil-based system that generates waves through controlled movement of foils through the water. This substitution improves energy transfer efficiency by directly coupling the foil motion to wave generation, avoiding the energy losses inherent in traditional mechanical systems. The foil moves through the water at specific velocities and angles to efficiently transfer mechanical energy to the water, creating waves with desirable characteristics.
2Productivity
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be generated, but the wave duration is short (2-30 seconds) and rideability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the foil's movement through the water, adjusting velocity, angle of attack, and position to generate waves with extended duration. The foil can be moved at controlled speeds (e.g., 0.5 to 2.0 meters per second) and positioned at various depths and angles to create waves that maintain their form and energy for longer periods. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to produce waves suitable for extended surfing sessions, addressing the short duration limitation of traditional systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If foils with simple geometry are used, then manufacturing is easier, but energy transfer efficiency and wave quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the foil should have a curved or cambered cross-sectional geometry rather than a simple flat or straight profile. This curvature is essential for efficient energy transfer from the foil to the water, as it creates favorable pressure distributions and flow patterns that maximize wave generation. The curved foil section allows for better hydrodynamic performance, enabling the foil to transfer mechanical energy to the water more effectively while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication techniques.
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 system generates waves that are surfable, with characteristics similar to ocean waves, providing a longer ride duration and improved surfability by efficiently transferring mechanical energy, matching the displacement and velocity of the foil with the wave, resulting in waves that can be ridden for an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
Ocean surface waves are waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, the restoring force is provided by gravity, and so they are often referred to as surface gravity waves
Implementation Method 2
The foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in the water from the movement... to efficiently transferring mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A wave pool includes a channel that includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side of the channel, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.