Wave Generating Apparatus Using Adjustable Bed Forms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave forming technologies for water parks fail to consistently create stable, rideable standing waves, as they either produce fast-moving thin sheets of water or simulate natural waves inadequately, lacking the power and stability of natural standing waves.
Innovation Solution
A wave forming apparatus comprising a channel with a weir and adjustable bed forms that guide water flow, using a combination of primary and secondary flow paths and height adjusters to create a stable standing wave by controlling water levels and flow resistance, allowing for adjustable wave conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sheet flow of water is directed over an inclined surface to create artificial waves, then wave formation is achieved, but the surfing experience differs from real standing waves and the wave is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the essential characteristics of natural standing waves (steep, unbroken, stable wave face) by using a bed form with specific geometric parameters (slope, height, length) that replicate the wave-generating properties of natural anti-dunes, rather than simply directing sheet flow over any inclined surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the bed form geometry (slope angle, height, length, curvature) and water flow parameters (depth, velocity, discharge) to achieve the critical conditions necessary for standing wave formation, transforming unstable sheet flow into stable rideable waves
2Reliability
If natural standing waves are replicated artificially, then stable rideable waves are produced, but the device complexity increases compared to simple inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The bed form structure is designed to be self-forming and self-adjusting, where the water flow itself shapes and maintains the wave pattern over the bed form geometry, eliminating the need for complex active control systems, motors, or adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential wave-generating function from complex natural systems by using a simplified bed form geometry that captures the critical features of natural anti-dunes without replicating the entire complex natural environment
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 apparatus effectively generates stable, rideable standing waves with adjustable properties, mimicking natural standing waves and providing a consistent surfing experience by managing water flow and resistance.
Implementation Method 1
using a combination of primary and secondary flow paths and height adjusters to create a stable standing wave by controlling water levels and flow resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.