Inflatable Surfing Apparatus with Container-Formed Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfing simulators are costly and time-consuming to install and disassemble, making them inefficient for temporary events, and they often cause discomfort for riders when falling off due to rigid surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile surfing apparatus using inflatable materials that can be transported in a shipping container, which unfolds and inflates for quick setup and disassembly, featuring a ride surface supported by a base that can be formed from the container's sides, providing a comfortable and stable surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid or semi-rigid materials are used for the ride surface, then the surface provides a smooth and slippery surface for water flow, but the surface causes discomfort for riders when falling off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible inflatable materials to create the ride surface, which can be inflated to provide a smooth water flow surface while remaining compliant to cushion rider falls. The inflatable structure allows the surface to be both slippery for water travel and soft for rider safety.
2Reliability
If permanent surfing simulators are installed at competition venues, then rider experience is improved, but the installation cost and time are excessive for short-duration events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inflatable structure that can be rapidly inflated and deflated, transforming the simulator from a static permanent installation to a dynamic temporary structure. This allows quick deployment and removal, making it suitable for short-duration competition events while maintaining ride quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator is divided into separate inflatable sections that can be independently transported and assembled. The ride surface, base, and sidewalls are separate components that can be quickly configured and dismantled, reducing overall assembly time compared to permanent installations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional simulators with multiple component parts are used, then structural stability is achieved, but the number of shipment containers and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural functions into integrated inflatable components. The sidewalls serve as both structural support and boundary definition, while the base structure provides both support and containment. This merging reduces the number of separate parts compared to conventional rigid constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable base structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the water, defines the ride area, and cushions falls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required in rigid constructions.
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 solution allows for rapid and cost-effective deployment of surfing simulators, enhancing rider comfort by using inflatable surfaces that minimize impact upon falling, and reduces the complexity and duration of assembly and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable base that may be disposed within the housing for transport of the inflatable base from a first geographic location to a second geographic location
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the ride surface being inflatable
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for transporting an amusement attraction, such as an inflatable surfing attraction. A shipping container may be provided that is modifiable (e.g., has removable or rotatable elements such that it may be converted from a transporting orientation for containing one or more components of the attraction within for shipment to a deployed orientation whereby one or more of its elements may be used for setup and/or operation of the attraction. The attraction may incorporate an automatic inflating system that monitors pressure or other characteristics during setup.