Modular Whitewater River Bed Using Segmented Lattice Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high construction and installation costs of artificial whitewater rivers and stadiums, along with their inability to be moved or easily modified, make them inefficient and excessively expensive for use in aquatic sports like canoeing and kayaking.

Innovation Solution

A modular whitewater river system composed of prefabricated unit bed modules supported by a lattice structure, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, transportation, and modification, using plastic materials with optional reinforcement and interchangeable obstacle elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If artificial whitewater rivers are constructed using poured concrete on embankments, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the construction cost and installation complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The riverbed is divided into multiple modular units that can be assembled together. Each module is a self-contained structural element with standardized interfaces, allowing the overall structure to be built from discrete, pre-fabricated components rather than monolithic concrete pours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, permanent concrete structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable modular system. The modules can be assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured, providing both structural integrity during use and flexibility for relocation or modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If permanent artificial whitewater rivers are built, then the riverbed stability is improved, but the ability to relocate or modify the structure is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriverbed stabilityVSAvoidrelocation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the riverbed into modular units with standardized connection interfaces, the structure achieves stability when assembled while maintaining the ability to be disassembled and reconfigured. Each module is designed to be stable in position during use but easily movable when disconnected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system embodies dynamic adaptability by allowing transition between stable operational state and mobile storage state. The modular design enables the riverbed to be stable during competitions while being relocatable for storage or reconfiguration at different venues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If high-quality permanent infrastructure is constructed, then the durability and performance are improved, but the construction cost increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Manufacturing riverbed sections as standardized modular units enables economies of scale in production. Each module can be manufactured efficiently using standardized processes and materials, reducing per-unit costs compared to custom concrete construction while maintaining performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular modules are designed to be cost-effective, replaceable units that can be manufactured at lower cost than permanent concrete structures. If damage or wear occurs, individual modules can be replaced rather than requiring expensive repairs to the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If modular unit bed modules are used, then the ease of assembly and relocation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidmodule dimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized interfaces and connection mechanisms are designed to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances. The universal connection system incorporates features that compensate for minor dimensional variations, allowing modules from different manufacturing batches to assemble correctly without requiring extreme precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3313540B1Non-permanent white-water river
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 HYDROSTADIUM
  • EP3313540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3313540B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3313540B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a white-water river, comprising a river bed (1) capable of guiding a current of water (12) between an upper inlet of the bed and a lower outlet of the bed, and including water-feeding means for injecting a stream of water (12) at the upper inlet of the bed. The river bed (1) is made up of a series of individual bed modules (6a), adjacent to one another, and assembled via respective transverse contact surfaces. The individual bed modules (6a) are supported via a lower surface (61) by a modular lattice bearing structure (16).