Rotating Water Slide Tunnel for Dynamic Lateral Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water slide experiences are limited to static surfaces and smooth riding surfaces with no variations in water depth or slide surface cross-section, lacking dynamic elements that enhance rider excitement and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rotating tunnel section with embedded three-dimensional shapes and varying cross-sections in water slides, inducing sideways motion and integrating with static slides to create dynamic experiences, such as white water rafting or minimal water surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static water slide surface is used, then the ride path is simple and easy to control, but the rider experience is limited and lacks excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static slide surface into a rotating tunnel section. The tunnel rotates around its longitudinal axis while riders traverse through it, creating dynamic lateral motion and varying G-forces. This dynamic element introduces new rider experience dimensions without fundamentally changing the overall slide structure, thus resolving the contradiction between experience variety and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of motion by adding rotation around the longitudinal axis of the tunnel. Instead of only forward motion through the slide, riders now experience lateral motion and rotational forces, effectively adding a rotational dimension to the traditional linear slide path. This dimensional addition enhances rider excitement while maintaining the basic slide structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smooth riding surface is used, then the ride is safe and comfortable, but the rider experience is boring and lacks excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating tunnel creates dynamic forces that press riders against the tunnel walls during rotation, providing excitement through controlled G-forces and lateral motion. The rotation speed and timing are controlled to ensure safety while maximizing the thrilling experience, thus resolving the contradiction between excitement and comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rotating tunnel rotates at high speed, then the rider excitement is maximized, but the water requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the tunnel rotation speed to be varied rather than fixed. The system can adjust rotation speed based on desired experience levels and operational conditions. Additionally, the water flow rate and distribution can be modified to match different rotation speeds, optimizing the balance between rider excitement and water/energy consumption.
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
Enhances rider excitement by introducing lateral motion and dynamic elements, providing unique and engaging water slide experiences.
Implementation Method 1
the invention described herein induces and incorporates sideways or lateral motion of the rider (i.e., pushing the rider up a wall) to increase excitement and enjoyment by the riders
Implementation Method 2
vehicles or riders are transported along a slide path with moving water as a transportation conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A ride structure is disclosed using rotating tunnel sections as part of a static water ride with or without variations in the tunnel cross-section and/or embedded three-dimensional features to disturb the water paths which carries vehicles with riders. The riders may exit the rotating large tunnel upstream and downstream and the volume and velocity of the water can be manipulated to change the ride experience.