Lift-Generating Hydrofoil Wave Generator for Surfing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial wave facilities for surfing lack efficiency in wave generation and control, requiring high energy and causing turbulence, which affects the quality and orientation of the waves.
Innovation Solution
The artificial wave facility features a wave generator with movable members shaped like lift-generating wings, oriented upright and lying-down, which deflect water to create waves with a lift force, allowing for efficient wave generation with minimal energy consumption and improved wave orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional wave generators are used, then waves can be generated, but high energy consumption and turbulence occur which reduce wave quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wave generation systems with a hydrodynamic system using lifting bodies (foils) that generate waves through their movement through water. The lifting bodies utilize hydrodynamic lift forces rather than direct mechanical displacement, substituting a mechanical pushing system with a fluid-dynamic interaction system that produces smoother, more controlled waves with less turbulence and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of wave generation by using lifting bodies with specific hydrodynamic characteristics (lift coefficient, drag coefficient, aspect ratio) instead of traditional mechanical parameters. The system controls wave generation through hydrodynamic parameters such as foil velocity, angle of attack, and submersion depth, which allows for more efficient energy utilization and reduced turbulence compared to conventional mechanical systems.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wave generators are used, then waves are produced, but control over wave orientation and characteristics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable lifting bodies that can change their orientation, position, and hydrodynamic characteristics in real-time. The lifting bodies can be rotated, translated, and adjusted in angle of attack during operation, allowing dynamic control of wave direction, height, and breaking characteristics. This dynamic capability enables reliable and consistent wave orientation control that adapts to different surfing conditions and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting body system serves multiple functions: it generates waves, controls wave direction, adjusts wave height, and can create different wave breaking patterns. The same hydrodynamic structure performs all these functions by adjusting its operational parameters, providing universal control over wave characteristics without requiring separate mechanical systems for each function, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
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
This design enables the generation of powerful, well-oriented waves with reduced turbulence, enhancing the surfing experience by allowing easier control over wave characteristics and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first body shaped with a cross-section of a lift-generating wing, oriented upright... configured in relation to said predetermined path such that when the wave generator is in use, a lift force directed towards the wave progression zone acts on the first body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a facility including an artificial wave generator having an element for driving moving water along a predetermined path, including a first body profiled as a hydrofoil, orientated upright, having a leading edge towards the front, a trailing edge towards the rear, first and second main faces extending respectively on a first side and a second side, between the leading and trailing edges, and being configured with respect to the path so that when the generator is in service, a lift force directed towards a wave development zone is applied on the first body; and a second body profiled as a hydrofoil, orientated horizontally, having a leading edge towards the front, a trailing edge towards the rear, first and second main faces extending respectively on a first side and a second side.


