Modular Wave Generator Using Compressed Air and Ballast Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave generation technologies for surf sports are limited by their fixed, unscalable, and costly nature, making them impractical for natural environments with unreliable or inadequate surf conditions, and they often require significant energy consumption and complex mechanical systems prone to corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A transportable wave generation module comprising a rigid tubular chamber and a ballast tank, integrated to form a subunit capable of being connected in parallel with other modules, allowing for scalable wave generation in various environments, using compressed air to create waves with minimal infrastructure and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional unmoored vessel with water tank and pumping system is used to generate waves, then wave generation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly due to extensive mechanical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical systems (pumping system, hydraulic actuators, water tank) from the wave generation device. Instead, it uses a simple compressed air chamber system where compressed air directly displaces water to generate waves, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining wave generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pumping and hydraulic systems with a pneumatic system. Compressed air is used to directly displace water from the chamber, substituting complex mechanical water displacement mechanisms with a simpler gas pressure-based system that achieves the same wave generation function
2Reliability
If a large vessel with substantial displacement is used to generate waves, then suitable wave quality is achieved, but energy consumption increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed air (pneumatics) to displace water and generate waves. The compressed air chamber system efficiently transfers energy to the water, creating substantial waves without requiring the large displacement and high energy consumption of conventional vessels. The pneumatic system provides controlled, efficient energy transfer directly to the wave-generating water mass
3Reliability
If a wave generating device is made larger to generate substantial waves, then wave quality improves, but difficulty of moving and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular chamber system where multiple compressed air chambers can be used in parallel or series. This segmentation allows the system to generate substantial waves through coordinated operation of multiple smaller, more manageable units rather than requiring one large, difficult-to-move device
Solution Approach 2:
The use of compressed air chambers provides a lightweight alternative to large mechanical wave-generating vessels. The pneumatic system reduces overall device weight and complexity while maintaining wave generation capability, improving mobility and ease of deployment in various locations
4Reliability
If conventional wave generating systems are deployed in natural ocean environments, then wave generation is possible, but vulnerability to corrosion and high cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple compressed air chambers and basic mechanical components that are less susceptible to corrosion compared to complex mechanical systems. The design prioritizes simplicity and ease of replacement over long-term durability, using materials and components that can be easily maintained or replaced in marine environments
Solution Approach 2:
By removing complex mechanical systems (pumps, hydraulics, sealed tanks) that require corrosion-resistant materials, the patent reduces vulnerability to corrosion. The simplified compressed air chamber system has fewer components exposed to marine environments, reducing overall corrosion risk and maintenance requirements
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 provides a mobile, scalable, and cost-effective means to generate high-volume waves in natural environments, enhancing the attractiveness and commercial potential of beaches for surf sports by reducing the need for extensive mechanical systems and improving wave consistency and size adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an admission of compressed gas into the chamber expels water out of the chamber generating a wave in the body of water
Implementation Method 2
The ballast tank may be filled by the admission of water in order to restrain the module in a desired location
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable module for use in generating waves in a body of water, having a tubular chamber with a predetermined length and width equal to or less than the maximum length permitted for transportation on a predetermined type of road. The chamber includes a rear valve located at the rear end to permit flow into the chamber and substantially block flow out of the chamber and a gas port proximate to the rear end for the admission of compressed gas into the chamber. The module includes an anchoring system, such as an integrated ballast tank, a connecting system mounted on the outer surface of the module by which the module may be detachably connected in parallel with other such modules in a side to side manner to form a barge or scalable wave generator. Individually, the modules are is capable of being transported by road to a desired body of water for use.