Half-pipe Water Ride Segmented Jet Flow for Rider Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial boarding rides, such as water rides, often lack variety and excitement in their design, particularly in how water flow is managed, limiting the range of experiences for riders.
Innovation Solution
A half-pipe water ride design featuring a substantially flat middle section with curved sidewalls and a water circulation system that includes a water delivery section, activity section, and dewatering section, allowing riders to ride perpendicular to the water flow and perform maneuvers similar to snowboard or skateboard half-pipes, with adjustable sidewall curvatures and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water flows in a sheet flow-type manner down curved walls, then water can be delivered efficiently, but rider maneuverability and excitement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water flow is segmented into multiple jets delivered through nozzles positioned at various locations on the curved sidewalls, rather than a single continuous sheet flow. This segmentation allows water to be delivered efficiently while creating discrete impact zones that enhance rider maneuverability and enable half-pipe style maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The water delivery system transitions from a two-dimensional sheet flow pattern to a three-dimensional jet delivery system with nozzles positioned at multiple heights and angles along the curved sidewalls. This dimensional change enables water to be delivered efficiently while creating dynamic flow patterns that support rider maneuverability in multiple directions.
2Device complexity
If conventional sheet flow water rides are used, then the design is simple, but variety and excitement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system incorporates adjustable nozzles and flow control mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of water flow patterns, jet angles, and flow rates. This dynamic capability enables a single ride structure to provide varied experiences and maneuvers, increasing ride variety without requiring multiple separate rides.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable parameters including nozzle angles, flow rates, and jet positions that can be modified to create different water flow patterns and ride characteristics. By changing these parameters, the same physical structure can accommodate various maneuver styles and skill levels, enhancing variety without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If riders move perpendicular to water flow, then maneuverability improves, but water flow control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles positioned at different locations and angles along the curved sidewalls deliver water as separate jets rather than a single continuous flow. This segmentation allows water to be delivered in controlled directions that support perpendicular rider movement while maintaining manageable flow control through individual nozzle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The water delivery system incorporates flow control mechanisms that can adjust nozzle operation based on ride conditions and rider maneuvers. This feedback capability enables the system to adapt water flow patterns to support rider maneuverability while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated or manually adjusted flow regulation.
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
Enhances rider experience by providing a dynamic and adjustable water flow that allows for varied maneuvers and safety through a soft mat in the dewatering section, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
Water flows from the water delivery section through the middle section to the dewatering section
Implementation Method 2
riders can boogie board, surf board, body board, knee board, skim board, etc. Such rides often include curved walls so that riders can propel themselves across or along the curved walls
Implementation Method 3
riders can propel themselves across or along the curved walls
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a half-pipe water ride for use by a rider. The half-pipe water ride includes an activity section with a substantially flat middle section, a first curved sidewall, and a second curved sidewall opposite the first curved sidewall. Water flows from a water delivery section through the middle section to a dewatering section. The rider can ride on the half-pipe water ride substantially perpendicular to the water flow from the first curved sidewall across the middle section to the second curved sidewall.