Side-Wall Foil Wave Pool for Controlled Breaker Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are suitable for surfing, as they are inefficient in transferring energy and cannot generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration of the most desirable waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator system using foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry, arranged vertically along the side wall of a pool, which moves to generate surface gravity waves, combined with a pool design that includes a sloping bottom contour and adjustable geometry to create rideable waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a man-made environment, but the energy transfer efficiency is low and the wave characteristics cannot match desirable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wave generation systems (linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics, pneumatics) with a foil-based system that uses hydrodynamic principles similar to aircraft wings. The foil moves through the water at an angle of attack, generating waves through pressure differential effects rather than direct mechanical displacement, thereby improving energy transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of wave generation by using a foil with specific geometric characteristics (curvilinear cross-section, aspect ratio) and controlling its motion parameters (velocity, angle of attack, depth) to optimize wave generation efficiency and match desirable ocean wave characteristics.
2Shape
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be generated, but they cannot achieve the desired size, form, speed and break characteristics of rideable waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the foil with a specific curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that creates localized pressure distributions optimized for generating waves with particular characteristics (spilling or plunging breakers). The foil shape is tailored to produce the desired wave form in the specific region where wave generation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the foil's motion, allowing adjustment of velocity, angle of attack, and depth to generate waves with varying characteristics. This dynamic capability enables the system to produce waves of different sizes, speeds, and breaker types to match rideable wave requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If foils with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry are used, then wave generation efficiency is improved, but drag from the foil increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a foil with curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that is optimized to minimize drag while maintaining effective wave generation. The curved shape allows smooth flow attachment and reduces flow separation, thereby reducing drag forces compared to simpler geometric shapes while preserving the hydrodynamic efficiency needed for wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the foil's geometric parameters (cross-sectional shape, aspect ratio, thickness distribution) to achieve an optimal balance between wave generation efficiency and drag reduction. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes energy transfer to waves while minimizing energy loss to drag.
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 can be ridden by surfers, replicating the characteristics of ocean waves, providing a longer ride duration and improved surfability by optimizing wave angle, speed, and breaker type.
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
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.