Surfable Wave Generator Synchronized Displacer Back Wave Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surfable wave generation systems face issues with back waves, which require additional energy, cause excessive splashing, and lead to flooding and increased forces on the wave generator, increasing complexity and cost due to the need for sealing and counterbalancing hydrostatic forces.
Innovation Solution
A wave generation system with a synchronized displacer that maintains a constant water level behind the wave generator, canceling back waves by displacing water accordingly, and using adjustable mass to counteract inertia, reducing power requirements and component size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wave generator is submerged with both front and back surfaces exposed to water, then waves are generated in the desired direction, but back waves are generated requiring additional energy and causing excessive splashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic back wave generation by introducing a displacer that selectively removes water from the rear portion of the basin. The displacer moves in sync with the wave generator but only operates on the rear water, extracting it before the wave generator can create back waves, thus eliminating the harmful effect without stopping the primary wave generation function
Solution Approach 2:
The displacer acts as an intermediary element between the wave generator and the rear water. It mediates the interaction by displacing the rear water in a controlled manner, preventing direct contact between the wave generator's rear surface and the water that would cause back waves and splashing
2Reliability
If sealing is used to prevent back waves and flooding, then water level control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to seals and counterbalancing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The displacer system is self-regulating and does not require external sealing mechanisms. The displacer's movement automatically controls water level in the rear portion, and the system self-cleans by allowing water to drain from the rear basin through an opening, eliminating the need for complex seals and counterbalancing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for sealing components by extracting the water management function into a separate displacer mechanism that operates independently. This separates the wave generation function from the water control function, eliminating the need for integrated sealing systems
3Force
If the displacer mass is increased to counteract inertia, then wave generator movement is improved, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The displacer serves as a counterweight mechanism, using its mass to offset the inertial forces acting on the wave generator during movement. The displacer's weight and buoyancy forces create a balancing effect that reduces the net force required by the drive system to move the wave generator, effectively acting as a mechanical counterweight
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
Substantially eliminates back waves, maintains equal forces on the wave generator, reduces power usage, and simplifies the system by minimizing water level changes and component size.
Implementation Method 1
the displacer may displace water behind the wave generator as the wave generator moves forward such that the elevation of the water level behind the wave generator is held essentially constant
Implementation Method 2
the mass of the displacer is adjustable (e.g., using one or more of a ballast tank, trim tank and/or other methods) to tune a buoyancy force and gravity force that counteract inertia against the movement of the wave generator
Implementation Method 3
the mass of the displacer is adjustable (e.g., using one or more of a ballast tank, trim tank and/or other methods) to tune a buoyancy force and gravity force that counteract inertia against the movement of the wave generator
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a wave generator configured to move water on a front side of the wave generator to generate a surfable wave and a displacer configured to move in synchronization with the wave generator, the displacer to displace water on a back side of the wave generator to compensate for water elevation changes on the back side of the wave generator that would occur in the absence of the displacer.