Flexible Raceway Wave Formation Mechanism
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective mechanism for creating random or controlled waves on a flexible surface, which is essential for various applications including recreation, sports, and industry.
Innovation Solution
A flexible raceway mounted on roller conveyor tubes with a wave-forming mechanism underneath, comprising a carriage with lever arms and hydraulic or pneumatic pistons that move along tracks, allowing for the creation of waves with varying heights and speeds by elevating and depressing the lever arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wave-forming mechanism is added to the flexible surface apparatus, then wave creation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-forming mechanism is segmented into multiple independent lever arms (6) that can be individually controlled by separate hydraulic cylinders (8). Each lever arm can create independent wave patterns, allowing complex wave formations to be achieved through coordinated action of simpler, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses movable lever arms that can dynamically adjust their position and angle through hydraulic actuation. The lever arms transition between elevated and depressed states to create varying wave heights and patterns, enabling adaptable wave formation without requiring a completely reconfigurable structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If hydraulic or pneumatic pistons are used to elevate lever arms, then wave height control is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arms are designed to utilize gravitational force as a counterweight system. When a lever arm is elevated by the hydraulic cylinder, gravity naturally pulls it back down to its resting position. This allows the system to achieve precise wave height control using minimal energy for actuation, as the hydraulic cylinders only need to overcome gravity temporarily rather than continuously maintaining force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage moves along tracks with multiple lever arms, then wave formation versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage (4) serves multiple functions: it supports multiple lever arms (6), moves along the tracks (5) to position waves at different locations, and coordinates the hydraulic cylinders (8) to create various wave patterns. This universal component consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 flexible creation of waves with random or controlled heights and speeds, enhancing versatility and functionality for recreational, sports, and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic or pneumatic pistons are provided that allow the elevation or depression of the lever arms
Implementation Method 2
Hydraulic or pneumatic pistons are provided that allow the elevation or depression of the lever arms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a raceway comprising a flexible surface, and a mechanism located under the flexible surface that forms waves of motion in the flexible surface. The waves can be random or controlled, with varying heights. This application provides several embodiments of the mechanisms of the invention. The disclosed apparatus can be utilized for recreational, sports or industrial purposes and for other applications.