Rotating Foil Wave Generator for Surfable Ocean-Like Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are desirable for surfing, lacking efficiency in transferring energy and failing to generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration of waves that are sought for surfing.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator and pool system using vertically arranged foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry, moving along the side wall to create surface gravity waves, combined with a contoured pool bottom that simulates the conditions for wave formation and breaking, allowing for the generation of solitary waves that resemble ocean waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a man-made environment, but energy transfer efficiency is low and wave characteristics (size, form, speed, duration) do not match desirable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of wave generation from linear motion to rotational motion. The foil rotates about a pivot point, creating orbital motion that more efficiently transfers energy to the water. This rotational mechanism with curved foil geometry produces waves with characteristics matching desirable ocean waves (plunging breakers, appropriate speed and duration), resolving both the energy efficiency and wave quality consistency problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved foil with specific geometry (concave leading surface, convex trailing surface) that rotates in an orbital path. This curvature in both the foil shape and motion path creates more effective water displacement and wave generation compared to linear paddles, improving energy transfer efficiency while producing consistent, rideable wave characteristics
2Ease of manufacture
If fast moving shallow water sheets are directed against solid sculpted waveforms, then wave effects can be produced, but the waves are not actually rideable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static mechanical system of sculpted waveforms with a dynamic rotating foil system. Instead of water moving against a fixed shape, a rotating foil dynamically generates waves through orbital motion. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while producing actual rideable ocean waves with proper breaking characteristics
3Productivity
If conventional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be generated, but the ride duration is limited to 2-30 seconds with most rides being 5-10 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating foil mechanism provides continuous wave generation through sustained rotational motion. The orbital path of the foil ensures continuous energy transfer to the water, creating a sustained wave train rather than discrete waves. This continuity extends ride duration beyond the 5-10 second limit of conventional systems, allowing surfers to ride waves for significantly longer periods
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 system effectively generates waves that are surfable, replicating the characteristics of ocean waves, providing a longer rideable wave length and improved surfability by optimizing energy transfer and wave formation, addressing the inefficiencies of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
Ocean surface waves are waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, the restoring force is provided by gravity, and so they are often referred to as surface gravity waves
Implementation Method 2
The foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in the water from the movement
Implementation Method 3
a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and mitigate drag from the foil from the movement
Implementation Method 4
a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and mitigate drag from the foil from the movement
Data Source
AI summary
A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.