Inflatable Surfing Ride Surface Fastening Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surfing simulators are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, costly to transport, and lack durability and rider comfort, particularly for mobile water attractions that require quick setup and tear-down at temporary venues, such as outdoor competitions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile surfing attraction system utilizing inflatable ride surfaces composed of interconnected segments with mating surfaces and fastening mechanisms to form a larger, durable surface, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and incorporating a sheet to surround the ride surface for improved comfort and water flow management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional rigid or semi-rigid materials are used for ride surfaces, then the surface provides a smooth and slippery surface for water flow, but the surface makes uncomfortable contact with riders upon falling and lacks durability under pressurized water flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider comfortVSAvoiddurability under pressurized water flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes flexible inflatable ride surfaces made from durable materials that can be inflated to create a cushioned, comfortable surface for riders. The inflatable structure provides both comfort upon impact and durability when pressurized, resolving the contradiction between rider comfort and structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If permanent installation of surfing simulators is used at competition venues, then the structure provides stability and durability, but the assembly and disassembly procedures are time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surfing simulator is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each section includes inflatable ride surfaces and support structures that connect through standardized interfaces, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic temporary structure that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The inflatable components can be inflated to create stable structures during the event and deflated for rapid breakdown, adapting the structural properties based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional simulators use a large number of component parts, then the structure achieves durability and functionality, but the cost of shipping and assembly increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural durabilityVSAvoidnumber of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into integrated modular sections. Each module combines inflatable ride surfaces, support structures, and connection mechanisms into unified assemblies, reducing the total number of separate parts while maintaining structural durability and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular sections are designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can be used across different configurations and locations. This multi-functionality allows the same components to serve multiple purposes, reducing the overall number of unique parts needed while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If inflatable ride surfaces are used, then the surface provides rider comfort and durability, but the connection points between segments are exposed to water flow which can compromise structural integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider comfortVSAvoidwater flow impact on connection points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Fastening mechanisms serve as intermediary elements between the inflatable ride surface segments and the support structure. These fasteners are strategically positioned and designed to protect the connection points from direct water flow exposure while maintaining the structural integrity needed to support the inflated surfaces and riders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11529565B2Method and apparatus for fastening of inflatable ride surfaces

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 WHITEWATER WEST IND LTD

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method for constructing or providing a ride surface for an amusement attraction, such as an inflatable surfing attraction. The ride surface may be formed via the connection of a plurality of ride surface portions or segments. A mechanism may be incorporated to smooth the ride surface and define a more continuous ride surface between the plurality of ride surface portions or segments.