Adjustable Surf Wave Obstacle for Realistic Breaking Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water attractions, such as sheet wave rides, fail to provide a true surfing experience due to the lack of wave breaking and the inability to use an actual surfboard, and deep wave surfing systems do not adequately simulate natural surfing environments.
Innovation Solution
A wave system with an adjustable obstacle and pump system that creates a contoured wave surface, incorporating a declined surface, water drainage system, and water conditioner to generate rideable waves, allowing for varying wave configurations and user experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet wave ride is used to simulate surfing, then users can experience wave riding, but the wave does not break and actual surfboard use is not permitted
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle is made adjustable in height and position, allowing the wave characteristics to be dynamically changed. This enables the system to create breaking waves that simulate authentic surfing conditions while maintaining safety and controllability through adjustable parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the wave (height, steepness, breaking point) by adjusting the obstacle configuration and water flow rate. This allows transformation from non-breaking sheet waves to breaking waves that provide authentic surfing experience
2Reliability
If deep wave surfing systems are used to create more accurate surfing approximation, then wave breaking is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wave generation system is divided into separate functional modules: obstacle structure, water flow control system, and drainage system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to create authentic wave breaking without excessive overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle acts as an intermediary element between the water supply and drainage systems, creating the wave breaking effect. This single mediating structure simplifies the overall system compared to multiple active wave generation mechanisms while achieving accurate surfing simulation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the obstacle is made adjustable to change wave configuration, then wave customization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of wave parameters. This enables a single static structure to perform multiple functions by changing its configuration, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
4Productivity
If pump system is positioned at or rearward of the obstacle, then wave generation is optimized, but pump accessibility for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is separated from the obstacle structure, allowing independent positioning for optimal wave generation and independent access for maintenance. This spatial segmentation resolves the conflict between performance optimization and serviceability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is extracted from the obstacle assembly, allowing it to be positioned optimally for wave generation while being accessible through separate access points. This extraction eliminates the maintenance accessibility problem while preserving wave generation efficiency
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 provides a more realistic surfing experience by generating controllable waves that can accommodate different skill levels, enabling riders to perform maneuvers and simulate natural surfing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pump system may be position at or rearward of the obstacle and toward a rear of the wave system
Implementation Method 2
water is pushed over to create a wave contoured surface for riding
Implementation Method 3
water leaves the water outlet, over the obstacle, through a water drainage system, through a reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A wave system is disclosed herein, including a water outlet, pumps, a controller for regulating the flow of water, an obstacle on the ride area floor capable of generating a surface contour of the water flowing over the ride area. The system may also include a variable surface in a reservoir, whereby the upper surface of the reservoir wall may be raised or lowered to affect the profile of the surface contour. Also disclosed is a training system for use with the wave system. A check valve cover is also provide to prevent backflow through inoperative pumps.