Wave producing method and apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for generating surfable waves in bodies of water are either unable to produce high-quality waves or are economically unviable due to high costs and large land footprints, requiring custom-built facilities and dedicated water bodies.

Innovation Solution

A wave generation apparatus that alters water flow through an inlet, contoured passage, and outlet with active edges and surfaces, allowing for the creation of various wave forms by modifying the flow and apparatus geometry, which can be scaled and integrated into existing water bodies without the need for a dedicated facility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional wave generation methods are used, then wave generation is achieved, but the wave quality is insufficient for surfing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave qualityVSAvoidsurfability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the wave generation apparatus, specifically using a curved passage with optimized radius and angle parameters to transform the water flow and generate high-quality surfable waves with appropriate breaking characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded geometries in the passage design, using a curved path with specific radius of curvature to guide water flow and create the desired wave form that breaks properly for surfing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Manufacturing precision

If custom-built facilities are constructed to generate surfable waves, then wave quality improves, but construction costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave qualityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wave generation system into modular components including a separate apparatus with inlet, passage, and outlet that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall construction costs while maintaining wave quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to be universally applicable in various water body settings without requiring custom-built dedicated facilities, allowing the same basic design to be deployed in different locations and configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If purpose-built water bodies are constructed for wave generation, then wave generation capability is achieved, but land footprint and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewave generation capabilityVSAvoidland footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wave generation function from the requirement for a large purpose-built water body, concentrating the essential wave-forming mechanism into a compact apparatus that can operate in smaller existing water bodies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with adjustable parameters including variable flow rates and adjustable passage geometries that allow optimization of wave characteristics for different water body sizes and conditions, enhancing adaptability without requiring large fixed infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the production of high-quality, scalable surfable waves that can be introduced into various water bodies, reducing construction costs and increasing economic feasibility by eliminating the need for custom facilities and large land areas.

Implementation Method 1

a flow of water is altered as it is urged through the active edges and surface contours that comprise the inlet, passage, and outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3538770B1Wave producing method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 KAANA WAVE CO INC
  • EP3538770B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3538770B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3538770B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method and apparatus for generating a wave in a body of water by altering a flow of water as it is urged through an inlet, contoured passage and outlet, for example wherein a primary flow of water is altered so that one or more secondary flows are created at angles to the direction of primary flow.