Flexible Wave Chamber for Adjustable Surfing Wave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave-making technologies are inadequate for creating surfing waves suitable for dynamic surfing, as they either produce stationary water flows or lack adjustability in wave shape and properties.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible upper wall anchored below the water surface, actuated by mechanisms like winches, crankshafts, or hydraulic cylinders, to induce wave motion, allowing control over wave length, height, and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If water pressure is generated locally to create waves, then waves can be formed in the pool, but the wave properties desirable for surfing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The upper wall is made flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically change shape and position. This flexibility enables the wall to be actuated into different wave-forming positions, creating varied wave shapes and properties suitable for different surfing conditions while maintaining reliable wave generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of wave generation by actuating the flexible upper wall to different positions and configurations. This allows control over wave height, length, and shape parameters, transforming the wave properties to achieve surfing suitability while maintaining consistent wave generation capability
2Speed
If water is sprayed over a wave-shaped surface to generate water flow, then a wave effect is created, but surfers remain stationary while water passes underneath rather than moving with the wave
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible upper wall is actuated to move dynamically, creating propagating wave motions rather than static water flows. This dynamic wall movement transfers momentum to the water, generating waves that propagate forward with sufficient speed for surfers to ride along with the wave rather than remain stationary
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible upper wall acts as an intermediary between the actuators and the water. By moving the wall, the system indirectly generates wave motion in the water, creating surfable waves that move forward while allowing surfers to maintain their position relative to the wave
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible upper wall is used to induce wave motion, then adjustable surfing waves can be created, but the device complexity increases with multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is divided into multiple independent actuators distributed along the upper wall, each controlling a specific section. This segmentation allows independent control of different wave portions, enabling complex wave shape adjustments while keeping each individual actuator relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible upper wall serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, a wave-forming surface, and a transmission medium for actuator motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device despite the presence of multiple actuators
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 adjustable surfing waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, including tube waves, with improved wave control and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of actuators 4 are connected to the at least partially flexible upper wall 3 in order to induce a wave motion in the at least partially flexible upper wall of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
when the flexible upper wall is anchored below a water surface, the wave motion of the flexible upper wall situated under water results in a surfing wave motion of the water surface
Data Source
AI summary
Device for making surfing waves, wherein the device has a chamber with an at least partially flexible upper wall which is anchorable at a predetermined depth below a water surface, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of actuators which are connected to the at least partially flexible upper wall in order to induce a wave motion in the at least partially flexible upper wall of the chamber.