Foil-Based Wave Generator for Rideable Surface Gravity Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are suitable for surfing, lacking in generating waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration of the most desirable waves, such as those that plunge and have a long face for surfer maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator and pool system utilizing foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry, moved along the side wall of a channel, to create surface gravity waves, with a pool design that includes a sloping bottom contour and multiple foils to generate solitary waves, optimizing wave angle, speed, and breaker type for surfability.
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 to the wave is poor and wave characteristics (size, form, speed, break) cannot replicate desirable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wave generation systems (linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics, pneumatics) with a foil-based system that utilizes hydrodynamic principles. The foil moves through the water at an angle, generating waves through fluid dynamic interaction rather than direct mechanical pushing, which significantly improves energy transfer efficiency from the driving mechanism to the generated wave.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of wave generation by using a foil with specific geometric characteristics (angle of attack, curvature, aspect ratio) that can be optimized to produce waves with desired properties. By adjusting foil parameters such as angle of attack and movement speed, the system can generate waves with controlled size, form, speed, and breaking characteristics that replicate desirable ocean waves.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be created, but they lack the desired size, form, speed and break characteristics of rideable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs precise control of foil parameters including angle of attack, movement velocity, and geometric configuration to generate waves with specific characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system can produce waves with controlled amplitude, wavelength, speed, and breaking point, achieving the precision needed to replicate rideable ocean wave conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment of foil position and movement characteristics to adapt wave generation to desired outcomes. The foil can be moved at varying speeds and angles to create different wave types (spilling, plunging, collapsing, surging breaks), allowing precise control over wave characteristics to match rideable ocean wave conditions.
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 effectively generates rideable surface gravity waves with characteristics similar to ocean waves, providing a longer and more stable wave face for surfers, enhancing surfability and replicating the experience of ocean waves in a controlled environment.
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
Each 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
Implementation Method 3
a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and mitigate drag from the foil from the movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a wave pool (100, 300, 400) comprising a channel (106) containing water and having a bottom contour having a slope (204) that rises upward from a deep region (202), the bottom contour further including a shoal (206) that is an extension of the slope; the pool further comprises one or more foils (500, 600), each foil arrangeable vertically proximate the deep region of the channel and adapted for movement in a direction along a length of the channel, each foil having a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface (502) that is adapted to generate a solitary wave toward the shoal in the water from the movement, and a trailing surface (504) configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil in the water from the movement; and a moving mechanism having a track along the length of the channel proximate the deep region of the channel, for moving the one or more foils along the track in the direction along the length of channel to generate a surface gravity wave from the solitary wave by each of the one or more foils.