Inflatable Receptacle Current Simulator for Water Safety Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for training water users in handling challenging water conditions, such as currents and waves, are limited by the lack of safe and cost-effective ways to simulate diverse water scenarios, particularly in New Zealand where drowning rates are high due to rip currents and other water-related hazards.

Innovation Solution

A fluid current producing apparatus assembly comprising inflatable receptacles with controllable chambers and a current producing apparatus that simulates various current patterns by inflating and deflating the chambers to create different wave and current modes, allowing for safe and controlled training in a pool or enclosed body of water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If outdoor natural areas such as beaches and rivers are used for training, then challenging water conditions can be experienced, but unnecessary risk to swimmers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater conditions simulationVSAvoiddrowning risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a controlled pool environment that copies and simulates various water current conditions (rip currents, waves, eddies) that normally exist only in outdoor natural areas. This allows trainees to experience challenging water conditions without the inherent dangers of open water, effectively replicating the training value while eliminating the drowning risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary controlled environment (the pool with current simulation apparatus) between the trainee and the dangerous natural water conditions. This intermediary allows the transmission of training value while filtering out the harmful elements, providing a safe middle ground for skill development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing wave pools are altered to create different current patterns, then training versatility improves, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent pattern varietyVSAvoidmodification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the current generation function into separate, modular components (multiple nozzles, independent chambers, controllable pumps) that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows the same basic apparatus to create various current patterns without requiring expensive structural modifications to the pool itself, as each component can be independently positioned and controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamically adjustable components including inflatable chambers that can be filled or deflated to change current patterns, and controllable pumps that can adjust flow rates and directions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical infrastructure to provide multiple training scenarios without permanent modifications, reducing costs while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus enables realistic simulation of diverse water conditions, enhancing water safety training by providing a controlled environment to practice handling different currents and waves, thereby reducing the risk of drowning and improving water safety skills.

Implementation Method 1

at least one independently inflatable and deflatable chamber therein for receipt of a fluid to at inflate a portion of the receptacle 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure inflation: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

current producing apparatus 3 configured to move water by forcing water over an outer surface 17a of the at least one inflated receptacle 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11846117B2Fluid current producing apparatus assembly

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 HYDROVERSE LTD

AI summary

A fluid current producing apparatus assembly for use in a body of water includes at least one receptacle 2, current producing apparatus 3 and inflation and deflation apparatus 22c. Each receptacle 2 includes a body forming at least one enclosed inside space which further contains at least one independently inflatable and deflatable compartment 19 therein for receipt of a fluid to at least inflate at least a portion of the receptacle. Each receptacle includes a body having an inner surface 17b, outer surface 17a and at least one internal chamber 19 which is inflated by the inflation and deflation apparatus 22c which modifies the outward shape of receptacle 2. When the fluid is forced by current producing apparatus 3 over the outer 17a of each receptacle 2 or chamber from a front of the current producing apparatus 3 or away from the current producing apparatus 3, and fluid is drawn in predominantly from around the current producing apparatus 3 and the sides of the at least one receptacle 2 back to the current producing apparatus 3 in a circuit of flow, thereby creating different current or wave patterns for the water flowing over the outer surfaces 17a of, inflatable, chamber portions 30, 31. A method is also included.