Standing Wave Generation via Hydraulic Jump and Gravity Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave generation systems for surfing and wave riding activities lack efficiency and effectiveness in producing consistent and high-quality waves, particularly in terms of hydraulic continuity, internal water storage, modularity, and small footprint.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a water channel with an upstream and downstream portion, a water return passageway, and a water storage chamber, configured to generate a standing wave through a hydraulic jump, with hydraulic continuity maintained by the weight of water downstream urging water through the pipes back to the upstream portion, and pumps compensating for energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be generated for surfing activities, but the systems lack hydraulic continuity and require large footprints with separate water storage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage chamber is nested within the wave channel structure itself, with pipes extending through the storage chamber. This integrates the water storage function directly into the wave generation system, eliminating the need for separate external water storage areas and reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining adequate water volume for continuous wave generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional surface layout to a three-dimensional vertical integration by placing the water storage chamber below the wave channel and using vertical pipe extensions. This vertical arrangement allows water storage to occur in the depth dimension rather than requiring additional horizontal space, effectively reducing the system footprint
2Productivity
If pumps are used to circulate water through the system, then water can be delivered to the upstream portion, but energy losses due to friction and turbulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a hydraulic jump mechanism within the wave channel to generate and maintain wave motion, utilizing the natural hydraulic properties of flowing water. The inclined surface creates a controlled hydraulic jump that efficiently converts potential energy to kinetic energy, driving water circulation with minimal additional pump energy input and reducing overall energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses variable speed pumps that can adjust their operation based on real-time wave generation requirements and energy loss conditions. This dynamic control allows the pumps to operate at optimal efficiency points, minimizing energy waste while maintaining the necessary water circulation rate for consistent wave production
3Adaptability or versatility
If the water channel is designed to generate hydraulic jumps, then standing waves are produced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water channel is divided into distinct functional segments: an inclined surface section for generating the hydraulic jump, a wave generation section where standing waves form, and a transition section. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the complex hydraulic system
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls wave characteristics by adjusting key parameters such as the inclination angle of the surface, water flow rate, and channel geometry. By varying these parameters, the system can generate different wave sizes and shapes without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high adaptability
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 achieves efficient and consistent wave generation with improved hydraulic continuity, allowing for dynamic changes in wave size and shape, while maintaining a compact footprint and internal water storage.
Implementation Method 1
The water channel can be configured to generate a hydraulic jump that produces a standing wave as water flows from the upstream portion of the water channel towards the downstream portion of the water channel
Implementation Method 2
weight of the water downstream of the hydraulic jump provides force that urges water through the plurality of pipes to facilitate delivery of the water to the upstream portion of the water channel
Implementation Method 3
compensate for energy losses due to friction and water turbulence as the water circulates through the water channel and the water return passageway
Implementation Method 4
compensate for energy losses due to friction and water turbulence as the water circulates through the water channel and the water return passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A wave generating system can include a water channel for creating a flow of water to produce a standing wave. A water return passageway can circulate the water back to the inlet of the water channel. One or more pipes can extend under the water channel for circulating the water. A water storage chamber can be positioned below the water channel. Water can be stored in the space between the one or more pipes, and the storage water can be isolated from the water being circulated in the system. The system can produce a hydraulic circuit with hydraulic continuity so that water can be efficiently circulated through the water channel and water return passageway. The system can be modular.