Wave Pool Foil and Sill Layout for Surfable Breaking Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to replicate ocean waves in a man-made environment that are desirable for surfing, lacking efficiency in transferring energy and failing to generate waves with the desired size, form, speed, and duration for a prolonged ride.
Innovation Solution
A wave generator system and pool design that includes a contoured bottom and submerged foils moving along the side wall to create surface gravity waves, with passive control mechanisms to mitigate water flow and currents, allowing for the generation of solitary waves with controlled amplitude and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If linearly-actuated paddles, hydraulics or pneumatics caissons are used to generate waves, then waves can be produced in a man-made environment, but energy transfer efficiency is low and wave characteristics (size, form, speed, duration) cannot match desirable ocean waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibrating foil that oscillates at specific frequencies to generate waves. The foil's vibration creates efficient energy transfer to the water, producing consistent wave patterns with controlled characteristics including size, form, speed, and duration that match desirable ocean waves for surfing
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of wave parameters including foil vibration frequency, amplitude, and position to control wave characteristics. This enables optimization of energy transfer efficiency while maintaining consistent wave quality with desired properties for prolonged surfing rides
2Length of moving object
If wave amplitude is increased to create rideable waves, then wave height increases, but wave stability decreases and breaking becomes uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor wave characteristics in real-time and adjust foil vibration parameters accordingly. This feedback control maintains optimal wave amplitude while preserving stability and controlling the breaking pattern to create consistent rideable waves
Solution Approach 2:
The foil vibration frequency, amplitude, and position are dynamically adjusted during operation to maintain optimal wave characteristics. This dynamic control allows the system to produce waves with sufficient height for riding while maintaining stability and predictable breaking patterns
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional wave generation systems are used, then waves can be generated, but ride duration is limited to 2-30 seconds with most rides being 5-10 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously generates waves with consistent characteristics through sustained foil vibration, creating a continuous supply of rideable waves. This continuous wave generation enables prolonged surfing sessions with extended ride durations exceeding the 2-30 second limit of conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The foil vibrates at periodic intervals with controlled frequency and amplitude to generate regular, predictable waves. This periodic action creates consistent wave patterns that maintain optimal rideable characteristics over extended periods, increasing both ride duration and 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 effectively generates rideable waves with controlled characteristics, providing a longer ride duration and improved surfability, mimicking the desired ocean wave experience.
Implementation Method 1
Ocean surface waves are waves that propagate along the interface between water and air, the restoring force is provided by gravity, and so they are often referred to as surface gravity waves
Implementation Method 2
one or more passive control mechanisms to mitigate water flow and currents
Data Source
AI summary
A wave pool for generating surfable waves is disclosed. The wave pool includes a pool for containing water. The pool defines a channel having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom with a contour that slopes upward from a deep area proximate the first side wall toward a sill defined by the second side wall. The wave pool further includes at least one foil at least partially submerged in the water near the side wall, and being adapted for movement by a moving mechanism in a direction along the side wall for generating a wave in the channel that forms a breaking wave on the sill. The wave pool further includes one or more passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate a mean flow of the water induced by the movement of the at least one foil in the direction along the side wall.