Wave Pool Return Channels for Backwash Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wave pools face challenges in managing backwash from high-capacity waves, which poses safety hazards and requires additional infrastructure, such as lazy rivers with pumps, that are impractical and inconsistent with active water sports like surfing.
Innovation Solution
Integrating large, balanced return channels within the pool that capture wave energy using islands and a contoured bottom to direct backflow into diversion channels, creating strong circulating currents and reducing backflow, while also supporting action river activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional lazy rivers with pumps are used to manage backwash, then backwash can be diverted, but the system becomes impractical and inconsistent with active water sports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backwash management function from the main pool area by creating separate diversion channels that capture and redirect backwash away from the active surfing zone. This separates the harmful backwash flow from the recreational area without requiring complex pump systems, using natural wave energy to drive the diversion channels instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion channels are designed to operate autonomously using the kinetic energy of the waves themselves. The channels capture backwash and use the natural wave motion to circulate water through the system, eliminating the need for external pumps or powered infrastructure while maintaining effective backwash management.
2Power
If larger capacity waves are generated, then wave energy and recreation value increase, but backwash hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pool into distinct functional zones: an active wave generation area for recreation and separate diversion channels for backwash management. This segmentation allows large capacity waves to be generated in the main area while the diversion channels independently capture and redirect the resulting backwash, preventing hazards without reducing wave energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion channels act as intermediary structures that mediate between the high-energy wave generation area and the rest of the pool. These channels capture backwash before it can create hazards, using the natural flow of water to transport it to designated discharge areas, thus protecting surfers while preserving wave power.
3Power
If wave cannons are used to generate large waves, then wave size increases, but infrastructure visibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the wave cannon infrastructure in specific locations optimized for wave generation while minimizing visual impact. The device is placed where it can effectively generate waves across the pool surface, and the diversion channels are strategically routed to conceal infrastructure elements, creating local zones of different functional and aesthetic qualities.
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
This solution effectively reduces backflow and enhances wave energy circulation, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for swimmers and surfers by stabilizing currents and creating a high-energy action river current.
Implementation Method 1
A wave cannon transfers energy from the discharge of compressed air through a water-filled pipe and into a body of water to create swells or waves
Implementation Method 2
Integrating large, balanced return channels within the pool that capture wave energy using islands and a contoured bottom to direct backflow into diversion channels, creating strong circulating currents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to wave pools and diversion channels that capture high kinetic energy portions of a wave generated within the wave pool, and redirects the captured wave portions to the vicinity of wave formation, preferably timed so as reinforce a subsequently generated wave. The high kinetic energy within the diversion channel creates an additional feature in the form of an action river for riders of a wave pool to enjoy. At the same time, capturing of portions of the wave reduces the backwash of the wave and stabilizes the level of water within the wave pool, especially for embodiments with wave generators and pools capable of high volume waves. Riders may enter the diversion channel and ride from the distal, beach end of the wave pool to the proximal, wave generating end.