Surfing Installation With Movable Walls for Longer Wave Rides
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfing installations generate standing waves that are limited by the narrow width of the wave pool, restricting surfing distance and requiring high energy input.
Innovation Solution
A movable flow channel defined by walls, driven transversely to the water flow, generates a traveling standing wave, allowing surfers to ride waves over a longer distance without constant turning maneuvers, using adjustable components to tailor wave height and speed for various skill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rectangular wave pool with fixed walls is used, then the wave structure is simple and stable, but the surfing distance is limited and requires high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the side walls of the wave pool movable instead of fixed. The walls can be adjusted transversely to the flow direction to generate traveling waves that move across the wave pool surface. This dynamic wall configuration allows surfers to ride waves over longer distances without constant turning, while the limited width of the flow channel reduces the energy input required compared to traditional wide rectangular pools.
2Productivity
If the wave pool width is increased to allow longer surfing, then the surfing distance improves, but the energy input and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the physical width of the wave pool, the patent uses movable walls that can be adjusted to create traveling waves within a compact space. This dynamic approach achieves long surfing distances in a smaller footprint, avoiding the need for a large, complex pool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the space limitation by utilizing the transverse dimension through movable walls rather than expanding the longitudinal dimension of the pool. By moving walls transversely to generate traveling waves, the system achieves extended surfing distance without proportionally increasing pool size or complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed walls define the flow channel, then the structure is simple, but the wave generation is limited and cannot accommodate different skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The movable walls enable dynamic adjustment of wave characteristics including height, speed, and travel direction. This adaptability allows the system to accommodate surfers of different skill levels by configuring wave parameters accordingly, while the mechanical movement of existing walls provides this versatility without requiring multiple separate wave generation systems.
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 reduces energy input while extending surfing distance and accommodating different skill levels, providing a more efficient and versatile surfing experience.
Implementation Method 1
The resistance thereof results in the development of what is known as a 'standing wave' in the water flowing down the ramp
Implementation Method 2
water flows down a ramp and, at the bottom, strikes a standing or more slowly flowing mass of water
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a surfing installation for generating a surfable wave, comprising an inclined ramp to the upper end of which water flows via a water inlet. The water is accelerated on the ramp to a first flow speed, the lower end of the ramp leading into a region having a lower second flow speed relative to the first flow speed. A standing wave, in the flow direction, forms in the region due to the water flowing at the first, flow speed striking the water flowing at the second, flow speed. At least two walls may define at least one flow channel and may be arranged in the region of the water inlet and/or of the ramp. The walls are movable transversely to the flow direction of the water to generate at least one traveling wave that travels transversely to the flow direction.